Always in view by the passing eyes,

Encircling their rapid thoughts.

Enclosing me in with claustrophobic huge,

Endangered in the positive warmth of who I am.

Rolling around and rooted to Earth,

Time ticking with increasing speed.

For the leaves show an opening,

To the moment.

Wind passes by and closes the answers for the future

Leaving what ifs to feel suffocated by knots,

Struggling with the blindness of tomorrow

Of who am I?

This poem showcases a looking glass into the fear I, and many other students, feel at this point in their lives. I used to look at a tree as if a tree was the root of who I am, and the branches were all the different directions and opportunities that I can travel and embark on.

It’s very important to find what makes you happy and not to let anyone or anything stop you from getting that. If you go after what makes you beam with pride, the money will follow. You will be so determined that nothing can get to you. For me, the arts are my roots in the ground. I allow my curiosity, creativity, passion, and determination to push me towards the goals I wish to achieve.

I don’t know all of the answers. None of us will know what the future holds, but we can choose where we would like to lead our lives. We can choose the path our life shall go on. I want to choose a life where success means helping others and myself to express ourselves and be who we truly are, without judgment, behind the curtains.

Do not be afraid and take risks. Smile in the mirror each morning you wake up and be happy with your looks, your personality, and with everything you have. Be grateful if you have a roof over your head, and if you can even go to college. Be grateful you have the opportunity to explore and make your own identity. Be proud of each accomplishment in your life, even the small ones. Be that kid who didn’t care who he or she danced in front of because they were a baby and didn’t know better.

Be real and be you. Be scared and then face those fears. Take time to yourself and don’t feel unimportant because you may see others excelling at something. Everyone will be better than and worse than you at something. Be proud of your gifts and instead of giving in to jealousy and hate, learn from those you want to be more like. Become friends with those people you admire and look up to. Love yourself and know your curiosity and wonder will take you many places.

Most importantly: forgive, love, and accept.