One day, our school counselor instructed us to write down all of our thoughts, feelings, and everything that was bothering us on a piece of paper. This was October 5, 2021, in 8th grade.

As I wrote, all my pent-up feelings that accumulated over the years flowed out through my pencil. I poured my heart and soul onto that piece of flimsy notebook paper. Once class was over, I was still not done. But I realized that what I had so far were the secrets that I wanted my friends to understand.

As soon as I got home, I spent three hours typing it all out and added what I didn't have time to write in class into a document. It was 11 pm once I finished.

Once I was done, I wasn’t sure whether I should send it to my friends. There were touchy subjects that people don’t usually tell each other. There were words that could upset them or make me look bad. I felt hesitant and nervous. My mind wasn’t sure, but my heart was quite clear. I finally clicked the “send” button with a long explanation of what it was. I felt a burden lift from my heart and went to bed more or less at peace with myself and my decision. I didn’t expect much because I sent it very late.

The next morning at school was a big surprise. It turned out that everyone read it either late at night or early in the morning. They all gave me a hug. The feeling of acceptance and understanding was overwhelming. My heart was like a blooming flower, and I felt so much love.

This experience touches me every time I think of it. It took courage to unhide myself and learn it is OK to be vulnerable. If I let myself trust, open up, and put my guard down, it opens up a space to share and connect with others.

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