Growing up It was never easy for me to express myself, especially if I wasn’t in the best mood. At that point I would just shut down and not open up to anyone about anything. I would shut down about the simplest things and also things that were much more meaningful and important. As I got older I realized that this was a problem, and that I needed an outlet that would help me get my emotions out and help me feel better in the end.

My freshman year of college I fell in love. I fell in love with writing. Writing poetry to be specific. Throughout middle school and high school, I would write on occasion, or because I had to, and I never really thought much of it. However, one day in college I randomly started to write - letting my emotions out on paper (well my iPad). It became a daily thing for me and I felt myself starting to change, in a good way. I found my alley for self-expression.

Self-expression, through writing, opened a door for me that I was afraid to approach. The thought of being vulnerable, let alone sharing it with others, was a fear that I was not ready to conquer. However, I knew it was necessary for me if I wanted to grow the way I intended to. I knew I had to let my guard down and pursue the gift that was placed in me.

Now that I’m a senior in college I look back and realize how much I’ve grown as a person all because I decided to start writing. Because I knew that I needed to make a change in my life. Because I knew I wanted something different. Because I knew there was more for me to pursue and conquer.

Whatever you’re dealing with I challenge you to find a form of self-expression. To take hold of your situation and make a change. I never thought I would ever see myself writing, but I also never thought I would feel this free because of it. I’m thankful I decided to take that route and express myself and also inspire others along the way. I challenge you to do the same.