I discovered Tumblr at exactly the time I needed it most–the beginning of high school. While I struggled with the in and outs of a new school, Tumblr quickly became a place to escape to for venting my frustrations, evolving my likes and dislikes, and discovering new music. It was a source of comfort and and a place free of judgment, which was exactly what my angsty fourteen-year-old self needed. When I felt like I had no one to talk to, Tumblr became the ideal place for me to unleash all my thoughts.

Five years later, it’s almost surreal to look through all the pictures and text posts on my Tumblr account. I’ve undergone so many changes since I first began posting, from my interests to my mental state to my general attitude in life. Reading some of my text posts from 2011 makes me cringe, and yet some others make me smile. I can remember why I chose to reblog certain images, and for others I haven’t a clue. Half-written letters to people from my past, daily entries about what I did that day, rants about my family, posts detailing a fun weekend -- they’re all there, untouched and unedited from the moment I originally posted them. I can scroll through scenery pictures that caught my eye, GIFs from my favorite movies, historical photographs, shots of art in museums, and pictures of graffiti under a bridge. Everything I scroll past on my Tumblr account once spoke to me for a reason, even if it doesn’t anymore.

Since starting college, I’ve updated my Tumblr only sporadically. It’s a combination of not having the time and having outgrown it. Despite this, I know I will never delete my Tumblr account. It’s a testament to the challenges I faced, the shining moments I had, and the people who came in and out of my life. Reading a text post I wrote during a low point in my life makes me realize just how much I’ve grown in such a short amount of time, and how thankful I am for that. Even though some of the posts are difficult to read, whether it be because it reminds me of a sad time, or it makes me cringe from embarrassment, I love having a record of everything I endured for four years of my life.