Overall Identity
From the age of 14, I have received assessment and treatment from various doctors and psychologists. While growing up with various mental illness diagnoses, my recent therapists have concluded that I have dysthymia and anxiety. I learned through my life how to hide my mental illnesses and therefore, I was a smiley, happy child who appeared to not have a care in the world. As I’ve gotten older, I’m learning how to treat myself with kindness, gain confidence in myself, and how to vocalize my needs. Although a very kind person, I was not that way to myself. I put myself last. My main lesson I’ve learned that I am not my disability but rather it is just a small part of me, which should be appreciated. Voicing my feelings instead of hiding is truly the most freeing experience. And like a friend, I should focus on my needs as well. I should have confidence.
Experience at Centennial
Being first a student in 2013, graduating in 2016 and now a full-time staff member in 2024, I have not only challenged myself in times of anxiety, but also grown a gentle way of talking to myself these times as well. I have grown in my confidence while my mind may be telling me untrue statements on myself. I have felt supported by the Centennial Community in challenging these thoughts. I have gained skills and learned how to navigate and listen to my feelings. I feel I’m learning to incorporate all of me and become less fragmented. The support at Centennial is a large part in how confident I feel today. I am Me.