On Thursday, September 29th, 2016, my friend and I decided to make a spontaneous trip to West Chester University in order to attend their Sykes After Dark event, featuring Jamie Tworkowski of To Write Love On Her Arms. The organization, To Write Love On Her Arms, has always held a very special place in my heart. It is an incredible organization that has provided me with comfort and hope for many years. And so, when I realized that I would be in the presence of the founder, the man who was responsible for creating this wonderful organization, I was awestruck. I have had my fair share of experiences in fandom culture, and meeting various celebrities. This was beyond that, this was real. This was an everyday, down to earth young man standing in front of me and telling the story of why this organization was created in the first place.
Although over a week has passed since this event, there is a specific thing that Jamie said that really stuck with me. He was telling the story of his friend, who was the inspiration for the organization, and how he felt as though he needed to write down his thoughts and feelings and her story. He said that, he was unsure of how to tell her story because she had not reached her happy ending. She was still in the middle of her story, and was still struggling. He expressed that he came to the conclusion that he would still tell her story because it could still be one of hope. That, although she hadn't reached her happy ending, her story could still be one of hope. That excerpt truly resonated with me. That is the point that I am at. I have not had my happy ending. I am still fighting towards the future. I am fighting to stay alive, I am fighting to keep going despite every cruel thought that passes through my mind. When Jamie was speaking that day, it gave me a sense of peace. He made me realize that it is okay for me to share my story even though it is not finished. He made me realize that, my story is one of hope because as of this moment, I am still here. I am here, I am fighting, and I am working towards my happy ending.
Being able to see Jamie Tworkowski speak at West Chester University was truly an amazing experience for me. I was finally able to put a face and a voice to the organization that has helped me through so many tough times in my life.
Thank you, Jamie Tworkowski and the TWLOHA team, for making me realize that every story is worth telling. Thank you, for being something of a home for me while I am struggling. Thank you, for helping so many people and working towards ending the stigma of mental illness. Thank you.
