I am weeks from graduating. 4 years of hard work is ending. I will be getting my Bachelor's degree in History and Psychology. I will be at the top of my class.

Summa Cum Laude, Most define summa cum laude as With Highest Praise, and the summa cum laude definition is With Highest Honor. It usually means highest grades. I will wear the White and the Gold. As the Valedictorian I will deliver the valedictory speech at the graduation ceremony.

It hasn't been easy. I had to sacrifice many things. Friends, family, social life. Things were complicated by my being Bi-Polar 1 with Recycling Mania. The cutting did not help either. But I fought my way through all of this. I survived the cutting, the suicidal intentions, and attempts. I pushed through the 3 day holds, 7 day holds, and even 30 day holds. Hospital visits did not slow me down. Being kicked out of my church for being a Lesbian did not stop. I even found time to play sports and will Letter in 4 sports.

I am not sure why I have been so blessed. I have a sister who loves me and has stood by me every step of the way. When my parents were killed in my Senior year of High School she stepped up and became my mom, friend, counselor, nurse, confidant. She sacrificed her life for mine. Today I am a very different person because of her. These titles and adorations I offer to her.

But the journey is not over. I start my Master's program in History and Counseling in June. Two more years and 2,000 hours of supervised counseling. But even before that starts I have to go S.I. free for 6 months. I am on Week One day Two. If you believe in prayer please pray for me.

I guess I said all this to give Bi-Polar people hope. It can get better. You can get better. We can get better. We can get to a point where we overcome. I did not do this alone. It took many people, counselors, and psychiatrist and family to get me here but I am here and you can be here too.

If you ever need someone to talk to I will be here as best I can to offer you those encouraging words I received. And hugs... which for me made a big difference.

Don't give up...

Amanda