I have never been the type of girl to be like everybody else, I’ve always had my own style going on. Whether it be bright colored hair or my clothes not being the biggest trend and I love it. However, not everyone else loved it. Many people are
afraid of anything different, they are only comfortable with “normal.” Although if you sit back and think to yourself… What really is normal? To me, normal is being comfortable in your own skin, being the best you that you can possibly be. I didn’t always feel that way though. Due to my not dressing “socially acceptable” I was bullied a lot. Kids would call me terrible names and tell me gut-wrenching things consisting of telling me to die, etc. I like to say that I don’t care what people think about me, but at the end of the day, words can hurt a lot. I tried to brush it off but eventually, I just couldn’t take it anymore. The harsh words of those kids started harboring in my brain and they were on replay like a hit song. Eventually, I reached my breaking point, I could no longer take it anymore. I had decided that I was going to attempt to take my life. However, thankfully due to my mother, Micheal, and others I am still here today. Micheals foundation made me realize that I am not alone. It helped give me the guidance I needed to know that I’ll be okay. Not to mention it also helped me get into my dream school at the time Soundview Prep.
Micheal and his foundation have been there for me with a helping hand and an open heart through some of the toughest times in my life and I am forever grateful. Now I am a young woman starting my life and not afraid of anyone’s judgments. I will be attending one of the top makeup schools in NYC which will give me opportunities to do makeup at NYC’s fashion week. I couldn’t have done it without him and my mother, thank you for everything.
~ Sincerely, Andreya