It felt surreal
I was only twelve when my life was turned upside down. My childhood best friend had committed suicide. This was a defining moment in my life and impacted how I viewed life and the world around me. I was forced to grow up really fast and I started to see the world through an adult’s eyes. This was a very adult thing to happen to a kid. Often times I am told that I am very mature for my age and wise beyond my years; I guess that’s what happens when you’re forced to grow up so fast and face such a painful reality that someone you love is gone. Afterwards, I had closed off my emotions and hadn’t really processed what happened. It felt surreal.
The impact of this tragic event is something that still affects me deeply and stirs up a lot of emotions to this day. However, I have learned from this and I see light in the darkness. My eyes have been opened throughout this long healing process. I have learned how to open up to people and empathize with them; and, this has helped me to be ready to help other people and to be more understanding. From the moment that my best friend had ended her life, that heartbreaking day, my life had been changed forever; my path in life was transformed. I have a new sense of direction in my life; I want to help people and understand what is going through their minds. I have discovered a new passion, psychology.
If there is one thing that I would want people to know about me is that I am a very passionate person. I am especially passionate about what I love and who I love – my family and friends. I want to take that passion and channel it into helping people and being there for others in times of need or hurting. I am not a naïve or meek girl who is oblivious to the world around me or to the pain and suffering that goes on in the world. I have experienced great pain and heartbreak in my life; but, it is how I have channeled and learned from that pain that matters most. I want people to see that I am a strong, smart, and independent woman. I want to be approachable and for people to know that I am a safe person to talk to. In some ways, I already feel like a therapist. I truly believe that I am making my best friend and family proud with how far I have come in life and what I have overcome. I am still affected by the tragic event of that day, but I have learned and grown so much as a person; and, I hope to continue to make my best friend and family proud in all that I do.
