Throughout my formative years in school, I was often made fun of for not having a dad, and by the tender age of 12, I started undergoing bouts of depression. My academics took a hit, not to mention my reclusiveness in school, as my constant fear of being judged by others for my flaws grew into social anxiety and mental breakdowns.

For the longest time in the world, I was alone and had no one to depend on. Even as my bouts of depression persisted and suicidal thoughts compounded, I continued to push on, encouraging myself that I would get out of the darkness and into the light. Well, a chance encounter with a benevolent, old auntie while I was upselling ice creams to support my family brought me into the light! Her generosity in giving me all the money she had, sparked something in me and changed my life for the better.

Even when life seems tough, there will always be light at the end of every tunnel, keep persevering and you will eventually find this light, just as I did.