Through Snow and Shadows: Reflections of a Teenage Journey

At 15, I've already lived a life split between Wisconsin and Illinois, marked by snowy landscapes and the trials of adolescence. I remember a particularly snowy day in Wisconsin, a kind of stillness enveloping everything, a blanket of white covering the world as I knew it. At 13, watching snowflakes dance outside the window was a simple pleasure, a way to escape the monotony and find a moment of peace.

My brother, on the other hand, found his entertainment in the age-old tradition of sibling rivalry – an annoyance to me but a delightful game for him. These moments were our own, a unique dance of irritation and companionship.

One day, amidst the quiet of the snow, my parents called out for me. Like most teenagers, my first reaction was a mix of reluctance and frustration. They wanted me to move my bed next to the window. It felt odd, uncomfortable even, as trust was a luxury I couldn't afford, especially not in my second year in a new place, where friendships felt shallow and fleeting.

School in Wisconsin was a battleground. I was treated as an outsider, someone unworthy, someone to be trifled with. Defending myself only resulted in physical pain, like the time my hand was cut by a plastic pen. Or the horrifying moment when I was struck in the windpipe, gasping for air, while the perpetrator stood by, laughing without remorse.

Despite these dark times, there were moments of light, fragments of good amidst the shadows. Yet, they were often overshadowed by the negativity and abuse I faced. If I had a choice, I would have stayed in my hometown, Hudson, IL, where at least one memory stands out, both funny and terrifying.

Walking home from school one day, I encountered a beaver on "E. Marion Street." Curious and a bit reckless, I decided to interact with it, only to find it latching onto my shoe in a surprising display of energy. After a brief tussle, I managed to free myself, my expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. The beaver, unfazed, simply continued on its way, leaving me to ponder the oddity of the encounter.

This is my story, a patchwork of experiences that have shaped me. From the snowy quietude of Wisconsin to the strange encounter with a beaver in Illinois, each moment has been a step in my journey. Through these memories, I've learned about resilience, the complexities of human interaction, and the importance of finding humor even in the most unexpected situations. This is who I am, and this is what I've been through.