MEAD Alternative: MEAD helps bring girl out of her darkness

Looking back at a picture from my freshman year of high school, I see someone who was ashamed, confused and scared of change. I see someone who was closed up and afraid of the world and everyone in it.

As I look into my eyes in this photo, I can see into a soul that was full of loneliness, sadness, and rage. I see someone who was afraid and weak; someone who robbed herself of her self-respect and confidence; someone who never spoke out for what she believed in. I see a broken heart that was afraid to love or to accept any love. I see someone who never went for her dreams. I see someone who was hidden and holding back. I look at this picture and see self-hatred and self-destructiveness.

Today, looking at a picture of myself, I can see someone who I am truly proud to be. I can see someone who is moving on from the past and is planning for her future. Someone who is full of confidence, open and fulfilling her dreams in life. I see someone who has learned to love and accept love and is fearless in doing so.

I look at this picture and say I am strong, and I know that I can take on anything that life throws at me. Today you may look at these pictures of me “now” and “then” and see the same person on the outside, but if you look at the eyes and more closely at the face, you will see a person with a renewed soul.