Dear Heartbreak,

Without you, I would have become a completely different person. At 14, I became a better sister and daughter because of you. At 15, you inspired me to become a good student. At 16, you encouraged me to become a musician. At 17, you taught me how to be strong before I beat skin cancer and gave me a high pain tolerance before endometriosis became a regular part of my life. At 18, you reminded me that life is worth living for your more pleasant twin sister: love. As a 19, 20 and 21 year old you inspired me serve others. At 22, you inspired me to become a social butterfly, a feminist and a teacher of young people. At 23, you gave me a reason to compose music as well as play it. Throughout it all, you have sparked in me over and over again: discipline, determination, strength, resilience, compassion, empathy, and artistic growth. As a child I didn’t dream of you, as an adolescent I hoped you would never come, and as an adult I often try to banish you. But, thank you for making me who I am. Thank you for changing the shape of my story.