I was going through a rough spot. I was thirteen, no school friends, a family who didn't understand, a best friend who'd left, a crush who broke my heart, a sister who was off in her own struggles, a reputation I couldn't shake. I felt alone and misunderstood. But I did have a talent for writing, or at least that's what my teachers said. After a huge writing assignment that I got perfect marks on, I decided to start writing for myself. I wrote vignettes, poems, and short stories, pouring a tiny bit of my soul into each word and breathing a little life into each character. It was therapeutic and helped me get through each day. I still have no school friends and a misunderstanding family, but I was no longer alone. I have my characters, my stories, the bits of my soul that are my army against the bullies. So I have decided to share them with the world. And now I can be proud to do something with my life. If you try to criticize me, I won't care. I'm thirteen and standing, ready to feel the winds of change beneath my wings.