Courtney Whited

We loved one another, and I felt the relationship was stronger because we knew that we belonged together. We knew that no matter how many times we lost one another, we found each other again. I thought you were it for me.

Depression makes me feel like it is impossible for me to do anything I want to do. Makes me feel like I am controlled by something I can’t see. Something I can’t control. Something I can’t get rid of.

Every young person in the United States has the ability to improve his or her country. Every young person around the world has the ability to improve the world.

Love does not mean losing or sacrificing the goals you had before the relationship, and leaving someone to fulfill those goals does not negate the love you have for him/her.

I want our voices to be heard. I want those who commit these crimes against innocent people to hear us as we mourn. I want them to see us as we come together in the wake of tragedy. I want them to be flabbergasted as they see us gather together in love, not in hatred.

We are now a world of connection. We pride ourselves on being “Citizens of the World.” In order to maintain our universality, we must remain. Remain connected. Remain merciful. Remain knowledgeable.

So, yes, we are afraid. Our childhood has stayed with us. The world has proven our parents right. There are people out to get us. We don’t feel safe. And, yet, for the most part, we travel places our parents would never dream of. We accept people, regardless of their sexuality or their religion. We promote love, togetherness, and we want peace.