For most of my life I spent it worrying about what people would say or think about me, and worrying that I’m not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough.
I struggled with not having enough confidence to do anything; I didn’t take risks and changed myself so that people would like me. I struggled with bullying for most of my life. I was picked on, called names, and occasionally violated.
These challenges allowed me to slip into depression, and at one point in time I came close to ending my life. I was in a very dark place; I didn’t feel loved or wanted.
One night I sat down and had a conversation with one of the DAREarts teachers. She made me feel unique and special. She got me to start volunteering and it was great. It allowed me the chance to be happy about interacting with others. She would text me here and there to make sure I was ok.
Going to DAREarts as a student, they made me feel confident about myself, allowed me to express my ideas. They gave me the chance to become a leadership facilitator. They gave me the skills to be accepted as my schools camp cabin leader; one of the most important roles.
They gave me the patience and collaboration skills to help the children at my church. Through the meaning of DAREarts, discipline, action,respect,reflect,responsibility and excellence, I gained the skills I will need in life. These attributes help me succeed in everything set my mind to such as, presentation, speeches, job interviews, volunteering and performing.
I plan on becoming a paramedic in the future. I want to help others, I want to give people the chance to feel safe and taken cared of; just the way DAREarts did with me. They taught me leadership skills.
On behalf of DAREarts students, thank you guys so much for everything you have done for us. I am proud to say that I AM DAREARTS.