In 2004 I began my journey toward becoming a psychologist. During that time many of the stereotypes that I had heard over the years began to disappear and a new light shone on what I accepted as "true." This past semester I took Abnormal Psychology and my worldview of abnormalities was expanded, refreshed and in some cases, rewritten.

ADHD, DID, GAD, PTSD, Phobic, bipolar, depressed, manic, suicidal, schizophrenic, cutter, autistic, antisocial. Some people have asked me why I came to PsychCentral, what abnormality did I have. I didn't have any kind of disorder, wasn't in denial of any affliction. What could I have possibly wanted to come here for? But then I realized that I did have something going on with me, something that has been there for years. I am human.

I am afflicted with being a person, flawed and broken, yet willing to pick up the pieces of my life that have fallen and building something wonderful with them. I have an undying love for others inspite of themselves. I have an unquenchable desire to hear children laugh, see people smile and overcome their own disappointments.

Some of the most "real" people I have met in life I met here. Not hiding behid their addictions, afflictions and obsessions; not running, escaping or denying; not falling, crashing and laying there waiting to die, but real people who know who they are. To them I say thank you. My life and learning has gone beyond the textbook, beyond the walls of myself, beyond the music, the confusion, the noise, the sounds of laughter and tears. Stay golden...........

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