I’ve always had this feeling that I am different from everyone else. The question I asked earlier was, “If I had the chance, would I change myself?” My answer is no. I’ve done things that I regret in the past, but bad decisions don’t make you a bad person. I’ll love myself even if I’m different from everybody else. I like listening to and making music. I like collecting things. I like playing games. I like sewing. I like dressing up. Why would I change when these things make me happy? If I’m not interested or if these things don’t bring me joy anymore, I’d change. But at the moment, I wouldn’t change anything.

Anne Frank says that she expresses herself with writing. I show my personality with the way I dress, the way I play music, the way I do my hair and the small things I do, like drawing. Even if I do these things differently than others, it’s fine with me.

I think young people, like myself, can accept themselves better by doing things they enjoy. I used to be nervous to express myself with the clothes I wear. I found I accepted myself better when I started doing that. People get dragged down by doing things they don’t like. In the past, I felt weird or sad trying to fit in with others. I felt tired of fitting in. As long as you’re happy with what you’re doing then continue doing it. I think you should also always feel welcomed in your community.

My friends have seen me change, and I have seen them change too. Yes, I change, but my feelings towards them never do. If they support me, I’ll always support them too. You should always feel safe and happy when with friends.

Stacy Carranza, age 13, Daniel Webster Middle School