The anxiety began when my parents split up, but you would never be able to tell what I was experiencing if you talked to me. It was all internal. I had panic attacks every night. I stuttered during conversations. I counted every person in each class so I knew when it would be my turn to say “here.” I couldn’t go to bed without checking that every door was locked, that no one was in a closet or under my bed. I showered with the door locked and the curtain cracked. I washed my face with my eyes open. And I thought this was just normal. My mom, brother, dad, friends - no one knew. I never talked about it and I was never medicated or treated. 

I was just me in an enclosed world.

Coming out of this world was eye-opening to me. I started wondering if telling people close to me would be beneficial. Thankfully my new school brought me a new sweet friend who was struggling with an ED. Our conversations were revelatory to me - we had so much in common and I realized that my story and struggles with anxiety could bring compassion and hope into other people's lives. I kept thinking about my conversation with my sweet friend and everything I had pushed through and I finally decided to share my why in the form of the Fierce Future Project - a platform where I spread awareness surrounding anxiety & empower women to become the best version of themselves. I do this by sharing Mental Health Monday tips on my Instagram. I invite guest speakers to visit topics like testing anxiety. I post uplifting quotes and provide resources like phone numbers and websites for those who may need them. I share my personal stories and experiences because I am resilient and relatable. I faced my battle of anxiety silently and alone... Sadly, this is the case for far too many young women. With my leadership, courage, and servant heart, I wanted to take each of those young women from where I was to where I am now.  - Sharing this story wasn't just impactful. It didn't just provide closure for the last 16 years of my life. It has helped hundreds of teenagers not feel alone, it has raised donation money, and gave a platform for my podcast. I didn't just conquer my anxiety… I turned my pain into purpose. My future was and is fierce even though I have anxiety. 

I finally figured out my why.