Unbroken and Growing | By: Mr. Edward J. Williams

Few years ago, in 2022, after I graduated from high school, I made a choice to be different.  

I chose to let go of my pains, regrets, frustrations, and all that drained and held me down.

I let go of the endless days spent contemplating neglect, fearing death, missing loved ones, and worrying about success when progress seemed far away.  

At first glance, all I saw within myself was doubt - questioning my existence, my roots, my inheritance.  One day, sitting on the beach, I had a conversation with my inner self about these struggles. 

And after a moment of reflection, I wrote these words to myself:  

“Your story shall not stay the same.  

Your story shall not end with wounds.  

The chapter where you're pushed down and defeated cannot be the last.”

Your story is about rising above everything that tried to break you.  

There will be chapters of victory, where you triumph and turn things around.  

You are not among those who are broken and forgotten.  

Those who buried you didn't realize you were a seed and you only germinated instead.  

To every generation of warriors, to those held back by fear, failure, disappointment, pain, neglect, or regret Reflect on these words I shared with myself.  

Find peace in knowing that your story continues.  

And remember, when you succeed, we all succeed your family, your community, the next generation. Never regret the stages of your life that shaped you into the better version of yourself today.  Take pride in your growth. Embrace these moments.  

And understand that growth is often uncomfortable. When you decide to be different, you’ll face the uncomfortable things.  

But know this: your journey is worth it. Keep going. Keep rising. Your story is still being written.