For most of my life I had lived in the same place, a small town in British Columbia just west of Prince George. It is what I was familiar with, I felt safe there. I had good friends, and even better family. This all changed for me when I moved to Lethbridge in 2011. Moving to a new city is intimidating for anyone, making new friends, starting a new school. I was starting Grade 7, nervous, longing for acceptance from others. I spent a lot of my time worrying, worrying what others thought about me, and worrying who was looking - just like any kid my age. Throughout most of my school days I felt this way, eating away my happiness. It took time, but eventually I got sick of worrying, ultimately for no reason. I came to realize that what others think of me really doesn’t matter, nor do I need to be accepted by them. This was a very significant chapter in my life that took some courage to overcome, but in conclusion shaped me into who I am today. It opened my perception on my peers and the way I live out my life. I lost people who I thought were my friends and gained ones I thought I would never have. I am grateful for the experiences I had to undergo and wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Our past is what makes us into what we are today, and what we know. Nevertheless, being through what I have I would encourage others to do what took me so long to learn. Have the courage to live your life for yourself and don’t worry about what others think about you because a lot of the time they aren’t even comfortable with themselves.
-By Kaelan Baker
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