Brooke Vermette

I'm twenty years old, but I just started living a year ago You see, I'm a double major of Political Science and Psychology, and that is because I want to make a difference. But the difference I wish to make, I have already learned. It’s a lesson no human should ever have to learn. I am determined to make a difference in the world that may not seem as glorifying as solving world hunger, or creating world peace; the difference I want to make is personal. I believe it is my responsibility to help others more than what the average person assume others needed help with. My responsibility now is to make sure others never feel they are alone. For nine years of my life, I was alone. I had a loving mother and father, a caring sister, and supportive friends. I was alone. I devalued my worth, my love, my meaning into something I am ashamed to talk about today, but must discuss for the welfare of others. From the age ten to nineteen, I self-harmed. After putting the razor down a year ago February 21st, I have realized there is so much more to life than the sick addiction I fell to in my early teen years. I’ve realized that no matter how painful the emotional pain was, I did not deserve to diminish myself to the physical battleground. I’ve also realized, since I now know I do not deserve that pain, neither does any other person. I regret not telling someone sooner, and now I am determined to help those who are still suffering. I felt alone when I had everything anyone could desire in life. I felt unworthy of love when I was loved. I know I can not help every person who is still suffering from self-injury, but I know that one person can make a difference. I know that even if I just help one person today, maybe that one person will help someone overcome the addiction tomorrow. Over seven billion people are living currently on Earth at this very moment; no one deserves to feel alone.