Ciara Duncan

I cannot be happier about the person I’ve become these past four years. I will not give my high school the honor of saying that it changed me into who I am today, but I will say that it has been the one constant throughout my seasons of change. This school has been both the bane of my existence, and the one thing that keeps me going.

As a result of this, I simply cannot wait for college — the idea of being able to start again, but with the knowledge I have now a fresh start I never thought I’d receive. I will take every opportunity I receive and run with it. I will no longer be terrified of what people think, and I sure won’t deal with people who don’t want to deal with me.

I am not the girl I was four years ago. I have gone through both too many hardships and too many moments of true joy for that. Where I was shy and nervous, I am now outgoing and boisterous. Where I was uncertain, I am now hopeful. 

At one point in my life, I no longer wanted to live. I now cannot wait to see another new day. I sincerely hope that everyone in this position right now can one day do the same. It’s worth it.

If you are struggling with depression or suicide, help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 1-800-273-8255.