Grace Thayer

I am a mess. I can never find matching socks, there are multiple papers stuck at the bottom of my book bag, and I am pretty sure I put on the same ratty sweatshirt every cold morning at 7 am. I am a mess. At times my life feels like a tornado that is just brushing past me and I have no idea how to control it. Growing up my house could definitely be compared to a circus. There was always somebody yelling, laughing, or singing. Even in the middle of the night, my house would not be silent and dark. There were always lights on, and I could always count on at least one of my family members to be awake. Growing up like this is why most of the time the mess does not bother me but rather lets me thrive. Along with all the chaos, it also felt that there was a new crisis every day at my home. Most of the time I would have to be the parent to myself and my younger sister, during these crises, because I was emotionally and physically there when my parents were not. These experiences are why I am calm in crises, why I am not easily scared off, and why I am fiercely loyal. Even though my life on the outside definitely looks like a mess I am an extremely motivated and strong person who wants to do great things with my life. Sometimes life can be cruel. It is my motivation and strength I have learned and gathered throughout my eighteen years alive on this planet that keeps me going even when it feels as if it will never get better. I have learned that there is not always going to be somebody to fight for you, but rather you have to learn to fight for yourself.