I reached out and texted Lauren, who is now one of my best friends. My first close friend at OU actually happened because of our moms they gave us each other's phone numbers weirdly enough. I also reached out to people in any way I could to grow connections with people and make friendships! This is how I grew to meet my best friends. I applied for as many organizations as I could that I thought sounded interesting to me. From the start, I joined a sorority, which is a great way to meet new people. This is the mindset I tried to keep throughout my first year of college. It's, of course, going to be scary when you are moving somewhere new and your normal is completely switched, instead of thinking about it in a nerve-racking way, try thinking to yourself to optimize your time you get to meet new people and grow.
Obviously, for any incoming freshman reading this you always hear how scary it is to start out new and how to put yourself out there constantly. Starting in the fall I attended The University Of Oklahoma, I'm originally from Arlington, Texas, go, Cowboys, yay! Surprisingly even though I am not that far away, not many people from my school were attending OU in the fall so I was going to Norman with a fresh start basically. Assure them that they have a shoulder to cry on, even on their toughest days. Whether they are open with you about their pain or not, let the people that you care about know that you are always there for them. Often, internal struggles are far more difficult to cope with than external. Every day that they wake up is another day that they choose to live. Every smile that they make is a moment in which they choose to let light into their lives. You have no idea what another person is really thinking, so don't find it acceptable to demean them for what they have to say.ĭo not ever call a victim of depression weak, because they are some of the strongest people to walk the planet. The mind can be a beautiful place, but it can also be torturous to many.
They are real, they are there, and they matter.ĭo not diminish another person's anguish because you cannot see what they are going through. Struggles with mental health can't just be "swept under the rug," like a lot of people seem to believe. Everything could be going smoothly in life, but that doesn't mean that these problems are simply going to disappear. Contrary to some opinions, it's definitely not a problem that has a "quick fix."ĭisorders like these don't just "go away." There's no age limit. I'm lucky enough to say that I'm much better now than I have been in the past. You are surrounded by people who will support, protect and love you. It’s a time where people will encourage you to be your full, beautiful self and make sure you know that you don’t have to hide anything.
But, more than anything, it’s truly a time to be proud. It’s a time for fun, joy, freedom and celebration. It’s a time to honor those who aren’t marching next to us. It’s a time to remember our history and how far we have come and look forward to all that we have to do. It’s a time where people can be themselves and be with people who support them. It’s important for the LGBT community to preserve the tradition of Pride, as it provides a time for everyone to come together and celebrate who they are.
These marches would soon become known as pride parades. This inspired many “sister marches” around the country, including one in Los Angeles, and soon all around the country. Over 2,000 people marched up Sixth Avenue and into Central Park. In 1970, a march was held in honor of Christopher Street Liberation Day, which celebrated the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. In the following years after the riots, the LGBT+ community made incredible strides. We had had enough…’” - Linda Hirshman, author of "Victory: The Triumphant Gay Revolution"
He said, ‘What took you so long?’ The next day we were there again. “Young queen Martin Boyce remembers, ‘When it was over and some of us were sitting exhausted on the stoops, I thought, My God, we’re going to pay so desperately for this, there was glass all over.