No one should be ashamed to speak up. Shame makes it easy for neglect and abuse and bullying to stay huddled together in their dark corner. It’s time to throw the switch on this spotlight. If I can inspire other kids to speak their truth, then everything I’ve been through will have been worth it.

But life’s never easy when you need it to be.

Do you believe in fate?" "I guess, but . . . its more about creatng the life you want so you can make that fate a reality. You know?

It's about how you're like a lighthouse, always searching far into the distance. But the thing you're looking for is usually close to you and always has been. That's why you have to look within yourself to find answers instead of searching beyond.

He never gives up on who I am or who I could be. He doesn't run away when things get complicated.

No one can be everything you want them to be.

Standing in the line at the food court, I try to be myself. But I forget how I usually stand when I'm myself.