By Hannah Brown, TIWP student

No is a powerful word. It can be freeing and empowering. You should not be okay giving more than you are able, and more than they deserve. It can be frightening, to shut someone down, but sometimes it is the only way to open yourself up. When someone is doing something to you that is harmful, or scary, or draining, remember this word. When you cannot fathom the benefits of a situation, remember this word. And when society wont stop trying to shove you back into its box that you KNOW you don’t belong in, remember this word. Don’t use it to harm or scare; use it to lift yourself from the constraints of your oppressors. No can be a powerful word, if you let it free you.