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I define a community as a safe haven-an environment where people can authentically be themselves without fear of judgment. It is a space where individuals do not need to conceal their true identities, where they feel loved, protected, and at home. A community acts as a source of strength in times of weakness, lifting individuals up and catching them when they fall.. It resembles a family-a second home-attuned to your emotions, standing by during the lowest moments and helping you rise to the top. For me, my community is embodied in my friends. 

Arriving in a foreign country at the age of 6 presented significant challenges. The difficulty was amplified by my lack of English proficiency and the absence of guidance. I had to navigate everything independently-learning a language, adapting to different customs, and adjusting to diverse ways of living. It felt like reliving my childhood, only this time, I was alone without guidance, struggling to find my voice. Making friends and engaging in conversations was always daunting, for the fear of potential judgment.  However, as I got older, I realized I would find people willing to know me and be my friend. These connections have offered strength, fostered confidence, and provided the support that allowed me to discover my voice.   

My community has given me the courage, confidence, and strength in life. Mentally I have grown stronger, thanks to the truthful affirmations and support that have shaped me into a more resilient individual.  During my childhood, lacking confidence and a voice, I found it challenging to stand up for myself and I never attempted to make friends because I thought they would talk behind my back. However, as I found the right people, confidence emerged,  empowering me to speak up for myself, and feel important, loved and finally able to express myself. My friends have made me love myself and made me feel like I’m worth more than I know. Not only do they stand up for me when people spread false information, they’ve helped me speak up for myself. They give me confidence and strength and help me know that I am not alone. They showed me love even after showing my weak and ugly side, they made me feel beautiful and helped me understand that I am worthy. 

The role of a community is about ensuring others do not feel alone, helping individuals find their own voice, and sense of love. Many people have not found a community of their own but once I get my bachelors, go to medicine school and become a dermatologist, I plan to help others find a place where they can genuinely be themselves. I aspire to bring happiness and a breath of fresh air to those who have not experienced it before. As I grow up, I want to be someone’s escape from their reality. I want to help people find a community where they can say anything and know that they won’t be judged, and help people know they are not alone. I want to make my community feel confident and beautiful inside and out. I want to make my community love themselves and be who they are without feeling ashamed.  I want to eliminate the feeling of voicelessness and unhappiness, using any means to help people find confidence and a safe place—inspiring them, just as my community has inspired me.