Video Credit: Kevyn Tapia

What is your story?

I grew up in a single-parent household, something that people thought would affect me heavily. But when I didn't show any signs, people who knew me thought I was a healthy child. Little did they know, I just taught myself to hide my feelings and then let it all out at odd times. This led to me developing different personas instead of embracing who I am, thus slowly hating myself. Anything I said, things that I did or didn't do. It was just a really confusing time for me.

How has your story impacted who you are today?

There's never a day where I don't think about what I could have done or said differently. How I missed so many opportunities because I was afraid to say something or stand out. So I guess I take every day as a "there's no need to be afraid" and "go out and do it type of day” because if I don't, then it may not happen again.

What has your mental health journey looked like?

Towards the end of my freshmen year, I started taking therapy through my current doctor's clinic. At the start, it was clear that I had some some unresolved issues and I was as transparent as I could be. But most of my journey has progressed because of the pandemic. Since I was stuck in the house, it gave me time to really think about myself and my struggles as a person. So when the quarantine was lifted, I came out of the dark and embraced myself just the way I am. Now, while I still have some things to sort out, at least I can say that I'm going to be myself. To remind myself that there are people who will love the true me.

What encouragement would you give to someone who shares a similar story?

No matter what, don't change who you are to please anybody. Whether they're in your life constantly, or once in a lifetime, it is not worth putting on a mask just to take it off when no one is around.