Finding our way as individuals in this generation almost seems impossible. Our society is completely corrupt. It creates standards in this world that are almost impossible to meet. Many young people of our generation believe that these standards are something that is NEEDED in order to be "happy". But these societal standards, these unrealistic ideas, are IMPOSSIBLE to meet. People forget that being different is beautiful, and instead, feel the need to do whatever it takes to become that "standard", whatever that may be.

As I continue to grow into my own person, I see and hear of many people that don't believe it's okay to be different, mainly because of the brainwashing of society, leaving them scarred for the rest of their lives. This truly breaks my heart, and I choose to not be silent anymore. Change is needed.

Jennifer Reinhart. At the time, a young, BEAUTIFUL girl I had met during a school retreat for the freshman class. I was a senior in high school and was a counselor for that retreat. She had been one of the girls in my group, and had been open enough to share her heartbreaking struggles. I was stunned with how much pain this girl endured, mainly because what she put out to the public was so incredibly vibrant, bubbly, and happy. But her pain, her underlying pain, was something incomprehensible. She even rolled up her sleeves and pants to show me the marks she had made on herself due to the hate she had received from other people, that later led her to basically hate herself.

That was honestly the first time I had ever seen something like that firsthand. Something changed in me from that time on, and Jenn and I stayed close throughout the rest of my time in high school. I almost felt responsible for her. I would check up on her, making sure that she was doing okay. I knew I couldn't stop the pain she felt, but I knew I could be someone who could potentially make her smile, be someone she could talk to, someone she could confide in.

When I graduated, I made sure to keep tabs on her. But when the uproar of 13 Reasons Why became the topic of conversation basically everywhere, I instantly thought of her, and began to think of ideas on how to maybe make this negative, life-sucking battle, into something potentially positive. I knew it would be a stretch, but definitely worth trying.

So, I got a hold of her. I asked her if it would be okay if I could share her story with all of you. Luckily, she agreed.

This is HER story.

"I personally deal with a whole mix of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, problems with eating disorders, and body dysmorphic disorder, and that led to self harm and suicidal thoughts and actions. Growing up, I felt like it was a combination of things that led me to these struggles. I felt like dealing with my sexuality, my looks, and my interests were all things that made me feel the way I did. When I was younger, I didn't know liking girls was seen as such a "bad" thing. I also have very curly hair and I had no idea how to control it. I constantly felt judged by my appearance and who/what I was into. I remember a time specifically back in elementary school, I was pushed off of the playground and the kids there threw basketballs at my face, telling me I was fat and ugly. By the time I reached middle school, I was too afraid to get close to anyone because I didn't want anyone to hurt me emotionally. My guard was completely up at that point. I was 12 years old when I began self-harming. I really don't even remember where I got the idea from, but once I started, it really didn't stop until a few months later when I was changing in the locker room for gym, and someone opened the stall of the bathroom and saw all of my marks. I eventually was called into the guidance office, and my parents then got involved. Nothing really changed for me, even when adults were in the picture. By the time I was 13, I tried to commit suicide. I tried taking an excessive amount of pills, but my mom caught me before I could even swallow them. I was rushed to the hospital and was sent to a psychiatric ward, where I was an in-patient for 8 days, and was a partial patient for about 3 weeks. Coming back from the hospital actually started my problems with eating, because the medication I was prescribed had a side effect for weight gain, and I really couldn't handle that. I had gotten to the point where I would throw up after every meal, because I needed to make sure I was losing weight rather than gaining. I felt nonexistent in every aspect of my life. Don't get me wrong, I still struggle with those battles, they will always be a part of me and my life. But, I have found some comfort within myself to be able to move forward."

-Jennifer Reinhart

Jenn, I just want to thank you, publicly, for allowing me to be the storyteller of your story. Awareness is key, and little steps lead to big strides.

So, my readers, how are we truly able to embrace our own individual beauties? How are we able to prevent people, of all ages, feeling like they are worth nothing? I believe it starts with how we treat one another. If we are kind, uplifting, and caring to the people around us, not only does it make it a safe place for everyone, but it allows people to feel whole within themselves, rather than trying to find pieces of themselves within things and people that just aren't them.

WE ALL need to accept that different is okay. That different makes life interesting. That being different is just absolutely beautiful.