i AM...the STORiES..

Are they true? Do they matter?
You know the stories we whisper about one another,
the tidbits of information we heard from the mysterious group we call "them" or "they"?

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can only hurt if I let them...right??

I am a Freshman at a small college in the city that I was born and raised in. I never once imagined being here a day longer than it took to graduate . But here I am...stuck in a BIG city of a SMALL state surrounded by people from everywhere else. Here I am a loner in my own home.

The stories told in the confidence of your group of friends about the girl small and quiet. The sweet girl you could never understand. You target her. You stare, mock, and start rumors.

Why?

Sticks and Stones may break my bones but words can only hurt if I let them...right?? How many words does it take until they begin to break down the mind? How maby stares does it take before the target begins to hate herself? Before you win?

i AM...and then there is a question mark.

There is a question mark but the words are a statement. I stare at them on this screen in amazement. Because I read them and can hear the clear hesitancy in my head.

I am..

I am a college student.

I am many names and places.

I am many stories whispered and told behind closed doors.

I am the new girl isolated and sought after.

I am the ten year old child who planned to run away but hadn't decided from what so she stayed.

I am the trauma.

I am high expectations and dreams slaughtered.

I am goals and bars set too high.

I am. I am. I am...and the statements begin to become question marks.

I am unaware and vulnerable.

I am inspiring and inspired.

I am an aspiring....and the list goes on: actress, writer, fashionista, model, makeup artist, model, college graduate...

I am a wanna be.

I am Angel Celeste. Angelica. Angel. Hayzel. Ms. Luster.

I don't know which it is that I was but I am:

Angel Celeste...a success story in the making.