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Growing up in a household filled with unwarranted expectations and deceitful compassion, I learned to lean on myself. Over time, I was challenged to recognize that my fate would defy the mold my parents had set for me since my childhood. Simply put, I hated myself, who I was, who I was to become, and what people thought of me. Brought up in a world of hate, I projected my insecurity onto people that I would soon sympathize with. Through the years, countless friendships, and failed experiences, I started to get a grasp of who I was. This was a result of surrounding myself with people who supported me, as a family I chose, rather than the superficial, materialistic form reminiscent of my upbringing. Retrospectively, this utopic illusion was short lasted. I had surrounded myself with people that manipulated me to put their goals and ambitions before my own, in return for their simple validation.

Through the hardships and experiences I endured, I learned to value myself and to take pride in my accomplishments. I will never forget what made me into the person I am today, nor will I ever allow myself to face similar adversity. Woeful as it was, I’m a stronger person now, attempting to lead the way for others that have yet to see their full selves.