By: A’Breya Young 

Time’s Going By

It’s astonishing how fast time has flown. It’s crazy to think that the decade is about to end! This year has been crazy enough, but looking back ten years… phew! In 2019, I not only matured as a person, but I have learned lessons that I will take with me outside of the school walls and beyond. Despite all the frustration, anxiety, sweat, and tears, I survived. Kelly Clarkson said it best, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” So without further ado, Heritage Herald readers, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight as we take a trip down 2019.

Depression 

I have struggled with depression for most of my life. Being the only plus-size kid in my class made me feel like a pariah or outsider at school. Of course, children can be mean and cruel, and those labels placed on me as a kid were none the less. Moreover, the constant fear of being called out on my insecurities and obvious flaws was mentally and emotionally exhausting. It always made me wonder if my weight was the reason for me not having long-lasting friendships. Do people only see me as my size? It wasn’t until I met my friend Gabriella that my thoughts were proven wrong. The feeling of empowerment that I got whenever she enters my space is indescribable. Meeting her helped me realize that I am more than just “that fat girl”. I am a beautiful, intelligent, intuitive, and kind young lady. Most importantly, I am a friend.

Husky Diplomats

Bullying is a major issue in schools around the United States. One thing victims seek to have is a support system. Having the courage to trust someone to talk to when you are in a difficult situation or are feeling some type of way is not an easy feat. However, my personal experience with bullying led me to seek out an avenue that would afford me the opportunity to be the support a peer might need. Husky Diplomats provided me the chance I was looking for. Becoming a member of this club meant I had opportunities to assist my peers with conflict resolution, which in turn, gave me a rapport with my peers of someone they could trust. They felt comfortable sharing their stories with me. Sympathy gives someone the expression of pity; however, empathy drives connection by looking through the perspective of the other. With just an ounce of empathy, a bucket can be filled with happiness, which is better than any pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. 

Crossing The Finish Line

As I expressed in the beginning, 2019 started out the way my life had always been—discouraging and defeating. However, I survived and came out triumphant. It has taught me that when walking on a dark path, the sun will eventually come out. The struggle of being bullied, anxious, and depressed, motivated me to help others with their struggles. Lastly, my message to everyone in this new decade, is that every day won’t be sunshine. It may rain from time to time, however, that is just what a flower needs to grow.