I still struggle with some things today, but have kept up the fight to make myself stronger.

I'm not sure when or how it started, but I do remember that I was bullied and outcast in a small school. I think I was in 3rd or 4th grade when the tag "Slut" was placed on me and I would hear people laughing and talking about me and calling me a slut. I went through the rest of that school and into high school with that label, amongst many others. I had to fight back and I made the same kind of comments to others to get them to stop. But what they don't know is during that time in high school I was suicidal and became a cutter. I showed up with a "happy" smile, hoping I was able to hide the hurt but wishing I could die almost everyday. I still struggle with some things today, but have kept up the fight to make myself stronger and to better myself for myself and not anyone else. And I am finally getting a tatoo worthy of covering my scars from when I cut. A Phoenix rising from the ashes as I have risen above the pain and hurt of my past. - Jennifer Collins