This is my first article I am writing for Odyssey. I have been back and forth on what topic to start out with first but I think telling the story of who I am is a good start.
Now, there is definitely more to my life than what I am going to share in this first article, but I'll dive deeper into what made me who I am eventually.
My name is Emily Ruffing. I am 18 years old and have been living in the suburbs of Cleveland my whole life. I am currently trying (key word- trying) to get accepted into a Veterinary Technology program for my schooling. Which should imply that I love animals and caring for them. I have one dog, whose name is Archie and he is 6 months old and I have practically raised him and treat him as my child. I live at home with my mom, dad, brother, and Archie. I work part time at Edible Arrangements. Some of my closest friends live far away from me (Shoutout to Megan, Macey, and Sam) and also just so happen to be dating my brother. (Shoutout to Morgan). The biggest thing you should know about me is that I am engaged to my fiance, James. He is in the National Guard and is currently on a deployment overseas.
Woah- did I just say engaged?
Yep. You heard me right.
I know I am definitely not the first person ever to be engaged young but some people still raise an eyebrow when I drop that bomb on them.
I will write about my story with my fiance in the next article I write because that is a whole other story.
I have always had a passion for writing and I never really took that into account even though some, like my mother, tell me I do. I've actually even enjoyed writing and I've just now become more open to writing more frequently, hence joining Odyssey.
I have always found myself writing or journaling as a form of therapy and a way to clear my thoughts. So why not share them with the world. As any 18-year-old does, I dream about my future a lot. My past has also affected me a lot on where I want to go in life. I guess you can say I am a dreamer with my head in the clouds. I think in elaborate detail that, sometimes, is hard for me to put into words. I have such strong feelings about what I believe in and who I believe in.
I also am very hard headed. I have found that I am not afraid to speak my mind and I've learned to not be quiet in situations where I used to be a bystander or even when I was the one being trampled on. Yes, I usually take the high road but there is a mean streak in me that causes me to feel so deeply and passionately about people or circumstances that I will not keep my mouth shut.
I am always hoping that in some way I am able to help somebody though. I see girls who go through things that I have been through or I hear things that I just wish I could change and make it better for someone. I try to strive to make this messed up world a better place somehow or someway. I know it sounds cliche but- this world has, to me, grown dark in more ways than one. I know I'm only one person but- if my writing for Odyssey has an impact on even one person in this world, then I can fall asleep at night with a little more hope for all of us.
