by Makenna Cavanagh, 15

I was born on September 11th, 2001. I was brought into this world at a time that was hard for anyone to see light, but I was born, and I am here. I was a flicker in the cavern of darkness. I was one of hundreds, maybe thousands just on that single day. We live in a world of more darkness than ever, but instead of being swallowed in it, we along with many others, can be a light.

Social media in all of its “glorious” forms tries to tell us who we should or should not be. Most of the time these “rules” we try to follow are unrealistic and emotionally unhealthy. They give us goals that are unattainable and purely unnecessary. This causes many people–girls and boys alike–to have low self esteem. They cannot see their infinite worth. The other day someone told my friend she looked pretty. She said, “Thank you, but I already know I am pretty.” This seemingly bold statement took her complementor aback. I, on the other hand, was very impressed. I looked my friend in the eyes and saw maybe for a second what my Father in Heaven sees, and all I could say was, “You should know you are pretty.” Everyone should know they are beautiful inside and out. Size, shape, gender, religion, race, heritage, attraction, personality, position, and ideas can all make someone who they are, but none of these things take away from the fact that we are all human. We are all the same. We are all one. We are all equal. We are all a light, but we must choose to shine.

A lot of people in this world believe they must be “someone” or hold some powerful position to make a change. In reality, this is not at all true. Small differences add up to something greater than we may ever see. My dad and sister had the opportunity to go to Samoa to build a house for a family in need the past two summers. The people they served had very little, not even running water, yet they find more joy in life than many people I know. My dad and sister also were able to find joy as they served these amazing people. Still, we do not have to go to some paradisical island to serve and receive joy. We can do small things like smile and offer compliments. The little things really do add up.

Sometimes it may be hard to find the happiness we all need in this dark world, but we see what we look for. Look for the good, the light. I was born on September 11th, 2001. I was brought into this world at a time that was hard for anyone to see light, but I was born, and I am here, and I can make this a world worth living in, just like you.