From Invisible to Visible: A Journey of Healing and Empowerment

Growing up, I always thought childhood games like hide-and-seek were supposed to be filled with laughter and friendship. But there was one day that changed everything for me. I was left alone in a tiny closet, locked away while the rest of the group continued the game, completely forgetting I was even there. At first, I thought I had won, but as time passed, I realized I was invisible, forgotten by those I thought were my friends. That moment of being left in the dark became the metaphor for much of my childhood, where I felt unseen and unimportant.

The bullying I faced wasn’t loud or obvious—it was covert. For years, two of my “friends” wove a web of humiliation around me, making me feel like I didn’t matter, and this constant emotional assault chipped away at my sense of self-worth. Eventually, this pain manifested in panic attacks, a deep feeling of being trapped in my own life. It took me a long time to realize that I was not just the victim of these bullying incidents, I had been allowing myself to stay stuck in that role. That realization became the beginning of my journey to reclaim my power.

The path to healing wasn’t easy. For me, it started with creative expression. At the age of 11, I turned to the performing arts, particularly acting and dance, as a way to express what I couldn’t say with words. The stage became my sanctuary, where I could step out of my own pain and take up space in a way that was freeing. It was through dance that I learned to take up space and feel worthy of it, and through theater, I found a voice that had been silenced for so long.

As I grew older, I began to understand that my journey wasn’t just about healing my own wounds, it was about helping others find their voices too. By 13, I was taking on leading roles, from Mary Poppins to Joan of Arc, and these characters taught me not only to embody strength but also to have empathy for those who may have hurt me. I began to see the bigger picture: that bullies are often hurting too, and their actions are a reflection of their own pain.

Now, I use my voice to empower others, especially teens, to take a stand for themselves. My work is rooted in the belief that when we transform our hurt into creative pursuits, we not only heal ourselves but also become a beacon of light for others who may feel invisible. I encourage young people to find their outlet for self-expression, whether it’s through art, sports, or even just talking openly about their experiences. Our stories matter, they are powerful, and when we share them, we connect, heal, and change the narrative.

I once believed I was invisible. But now, I know my worth, and I’ve learned to shine. From that dark closet to the stage of my life, my mission is to show others that they too can move from invisible to visible, from fear to freedom. I stand here not just for myself, but for anyone who feels like they don’t matter, because you do. You always have.

Watch my full TEDx Talk, “Powerful Lessons from a Bullied Teen,” to hear more of my story and how creative expression helped me heal: https: //www.youtube.com / watch?v= e-ryQewOLrc