By Aya Riseman, TIWP Student

Life is hard. You never know which people you can trust, yet you have to trust people. 

Life is hard. You’re told to “be unique” or to “stand out,” while there is constant pressure to conform to the standards of society. 

Life is hard. You may find yourself being used for the benefit of someone else. They will take advantage of your kindness, taking away your morals and leaving you with guilt.

Life is hard. You will notice how people will try to hide you. They will try to take you apart from the inside out, hoping to leave nothing but an empty shell. 

Life is hard. Sometimes you might find yourself wondering if you should give up. If you should stop trying. If you should lie down and invite people to walk all over you. 

Don’t. 

Don’t let them do that to you. When the time comes, you must stand up. Stand up for your family, for your friends, for the people you can trust. Most of all, stand up for yourself. Be loud. Be unique. Be whatever you want to be. Be yourself.

Life is hard, but if you live for yourself, not anyone else, it might just become a little easier.

Life is hard, but it’s worth living.