It felt like I was in a dark room with no access to light, and you are constantly seeing monsters. Growing up, my family struggled financially that created an environment where succeeding academically became imminent and compared to my brother I felt like a failure. I managed to get into University, but I had to stay with a relative. Living there I never felt at home, because I experienced discrimination and neglect, and when I tried to speak out about it I felt dismissed by my parents. I moved out but ended up seeking peoples approval and I escaped into parties and drugs in search of love. Instead I lost myself completely to the point where I did not see a reason for living. See how a friend introduced me to volunteering that also gave me the opportunity to get therapy. Even though the therapy did not take me all the way, it helped me start the process of challenging my own negative beliefs. Learn how I found the strength to engage with my family and start conversations that helped us connect on a deeper level, where I felt seen and appreciated. Volunteering through Shamiri Health gave me the opportunity to work with youth, and this allowed me to believe in myself and feel valuable, through being part of their process. Creating a pace of healing for both the youth and myself, that I managed to bring with me further in life. This is my story.