If you ask my friends how would you describe me, I think it would be fairly simple: funny, caring and happy. Ask me how I would describe MYSELF, and it's completely different. I cover my emotions and how I'm really doing and only certain people in my life know what's really going on. This past year has honestly been so stressful for me and one of the hardest years of my life. I've been through so much and if it wasn't for my family and friends, who knows what would have happened to me. While everything negative was happening in my life, I was approached to go on a religious retreat called Antioch, where I would be able to deepen my faith as well as learn to love myself. Through everything that was happening, I felt like this was the perfect opportunity to let go of everything for a weekend, relax and take everything in.

When the night before it was time to leave came, I was really nervous and doubtful if I should go. I only knew about 3 other people who were going, but didn't know what to expect. I really thought about saying never mind and just skipping out the whole retreat, but I decided to stick it out and go. I packed my bags and I was ready to go, still feeling very nervous. I wasn't a very religious person, nor did I want to learn to love myself, just because I'm not the type of person to do that.

I can't give much details as to what happened that weekend, but all I can say it that it changed my life forever. I walked out of the retreat center with a new family, my faith deepen and a more confident person. I've learned that everyone has struggles and they cover themselves with masks just to make others happy around them, so I no longer felt alone. I can walk across campus and say hello to those who pass me because we all became so close on Antioch. I've gained a new interest in the Peer Ministry, joined more clubs on campus and started to become a more social butterfly. I've completely changed for the better and I think Antioch came at just the perfect time.