Throughout my entire life, I always felt like there was nothing that really set me apart from everyone else. When I looked around at my peers, everyone had something they did that brought attention to themselves and allowed them to stand out. Some were successful in academics, some in sports, some in the arts, and so on. I was good at different things, but nothing extraordinary that put a spotlight on me. I kind of just blended in and kept myself hidden from the world. I was unseen, unknown, and unheard in the crowds. However, it was my fault because I never allowed myself to try other things, or continue on with activities that I was fairly good at. No one ever got the chance to see me as anything other than the short girl who was just there in the back of the classroom. I discovered that I put myself in the dark. I then sat there and asked myself, what now? How can I fix this? How can I come forward and let people see what I'm capable of?

One thing that I have always enjoyed and have been successful in is writing. Since the age of five, I have had a strong love for reading and writing. From creating my own picture books in kindergarten, to composing short stories and poetry now at the age of twenty, writing has been something I always stuck to. I have found it to be a fulfilling way of expressing my thoughts and emotions creatively. It has been my outlet, and something I enjoy doing in my spare time. As time has gone on, I've asked myself countless times why I haven't allowed people to read my work. I thought about it and came to the conclusion that I've hidden this part of myself all this time in fear. I feared what people would say about my work or how they would react to it. I feared people would think it's lame or make fun of me. It was just easier to sit aside and watch everyone else doing their thing. But then I found myself asking, Who cares? This is what motivated me to join Odyssey. Now, I can express my thoughts, feelings, and writing pieces to the world. As I sit here and type this article (which is my first), I feel mixed emotions. Fear, obviously, but also anxiousness, curiosity, and excitement. Finally, I will be able to show people what I can do. Finally, I will step out of the dark and come forward into the spotlight. Finally, I will be heard.

For those who are reading this and are feeling the same way I did, I hope that you will come forward and show us all what you can do. Don't hide from others, and especially, don't hide from yourself. Your interests and talents are a part of who you are, so why are you hiding them? People may have comments on what you are doing, but like I said, who cares! Hiding parts of who I am has affected me because it feels like I have been lying to myself and everyone else about who I am and what I can do. I was holding myself back, and you are too. Take that step forward, because you could succeed and amaze the world with your strengths. Everyone deserves to see what you have been hiding all this time. Whether it's something to do with sports, the arts, or any other activity, do it. I dare you. Let yourself be heard! I promise, you won't regret it.