Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to read my story; your support and attention mean much to me. As a retired military veteran, I took on several demanding roles after leaving active duty. I was navigating the transition to civilian life, which was challenging enough, and I made it even more complex by pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s degree to deepen my knowledge and open new opportunities. At the same time, I held a full-time job, which added to my responsibilities and stress.
This period was marked by intense pressure and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. Sometimes, it was a struggle to get up, weighed down by looming deadlines. My mental health declined, and I noticed myself spiraling into darker places where anxiety and depression threatened to take over. The stressors became even more difficult when I learned that several close friends had passed away in a brief span of time. Every loss appeared as a hit, causing hardship in the quest for steadiness or serenity.
Writing became my lifeline during this turbulent time. It became self-therapy, allowing me to exercise my emotions and cope with the grief, stress, and uncertainty that seemed to surround me. Through storytelling, I expressed the thoughts and feelings I could not share aloud, and writing provided a safe space to work through my pain.
I’ll never forget 2025 as a complicated year, one that brought far more challenges than I would expect as a retired military person. I often say how different my life might be without the remarkable support network I’ve been lucky enough to have. My family, friends, and colleagues have been my anchors, keeping me steady and reminding me of life’s brighter sides. I want to thank those outside of my family who helped me stay sane and allowed me to visit this venue: Cate, Ari, Tati, Josh, Alli, Ruby, the Smash Bandits, and Kumo’s B$%&^&$’s—the Monday evening gamers. They brought me back to the gaming table, where I rediscovered my inner voice.
Thank you all.
