Michael, I met you today, and it was really inspirational. My name is Alyssa; I’m 15 years old. You called me beautiful, and it was one of the most important things I’ve heard for a very long time. It meant the world to me. Basically, it’s not easy. You know that… everyone knows that, but sometimes I just can’t. I relate to the whole ‘sitting on the edge of the bed’ thing. I do it a lot actually. I dream of playing music for people and being on stage, but I have an awful habit of giving up due to my fear of public speaking and panic attacks. That’s all I want to do, and it sucks to be afraid to do what I love. Sometimes it just doesn’t feel worth it, and I turn into this uncontrolled, harmful being toward myself that results in wanting to not go on, but I know I have to. It was great to hear “You’re amazing!” and “I love you!” so many times because I don’t hear that. I didn’t feel loved or amazing in any way until you spoke to us. A stranger believed in me more than I believe in me. I can’t give up on anything; not on my dreams and not on life. Thank you. You made a difference in my life today.
