Even though I was forced to mature faster than my peers, I am even more aware of the kindness of others. Even though I find myself praying that I never hurt someone as badly as she wounded me, I am proud. I am proud of the person that I have become despite a hostile upbringing. I am proud of the years of nacre I have built up to lessen the absence of my mother; and most of all I am grateful for the people in life now that encourage and support me. From my experience as a child, I have learned the importance of hard work and dedication as well as the importance of reflecting on the past to attain insight into the future by