Spoonful of Gratitude - Day 1

Day one is here! I'm starting off strong with one to remind myself of my achievements and I've chosen a picture of my high school graduation.

I've had a rough life, and my teenage years were no exception. My high school years started with the sudden, tragic death of a good friend, then struggling with OCD and an ED, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, bullying, an abusive relationship, mysterious illnesses that I now know were from the pineocytoma, and just way too much for one person to handle. I fought hard to keep my grades up and to be able to go to college. I saw college as my chance for freedom and a life that was kinder and more rewarding than what I currently had.

It was extremely difficult but in 2013, I graduated with high honors and at the top of my class. I earned a full academic scholarship to the honors program at my university. It was one of the happiest moments captured on camera and I was full of hope for the future, pride in my achievements, and excitement for the next part of my life!