I valued friendship growing up, because I never had any friends. Since it was “cool” to make fun of me, it was social suicide to be seen talking to me casually. No matter where I moved or what new school I attended, kids would immediately start teasing me. Eventually, I learned that I had to love myself and my worth. Not everyone likes or respects me, but as long as I love and respect myself, life goes on. Even though I was constantly ridiculed, I never let it affect my schoolwork. My education was very important to me because I knew I would have a big impact on the world if I got a good education. My family was another important value to me, because no one encouraged and supported me as much as my family. The most important lesson I have learned over the years is that I should not let anyone control my life except