Strength In Our Differences

This is a tribute for a loving person who has been here for me for 14 years and 9 days. This person is there for me when I feel so hopeless and lonely. This person walks with me all over Uptown and we have deep discussions about discrimination and homelessness. This person I call my dad, padre, and papazel. I could never ask for a different dad than the dad I have now. My dad is a husband to my wonderful mom, Beth. I always enjoyed going on car trips and my parents would have discussions of all sorts of things. I liked to listen to them talk and talk because I like to be aware of the things going on in this world, I glad I’m not clueless. And I thank my marvelous padre for that. Having all those deep talks led my dad to protest for those who are in need of help. My dad loves going to protest (me too). Some protest that he’s gone to that I know of is Uptown Tent City, mass incarceration, affordable housing, and I know there are many many more but there’s too many to count. I ...

When I was in 4th-6th grade I would get bullied. It made me come home sobbing every single day after school. Whenever I needed a break from school when I got frustrated at certain things I would go into the girls' restroom and slam my fist against the wall until my special arm or fist would start to throb with pain then I would cry and cry. I COULDN'T STAND IT! I never enjoyed getting bullied. But who does?! When I look back on getting bullied it made me feel so anxious but I am thankful I got bullied those horrible years. If I didn't get tortured at school I wouldn't be who I am today. An activist, a person who wants to help those in need, and one of the biggest ones is being more aware of bullying. When I see someone getting bullied I want to help I don't want to just sit there and watch them suffer.  So believ e it or not, bull ying can make you a stronger person, but it's still wrong. I want you to look around and see if there is someone who is b...