Thank you all for taking the time to read my story; your support and attention truly mean a lot to me. As a retired military veteran, I found myself juggling several demanding roles after leaving active duty. I was not only transitioning to civilian life—a process that came with its own set of challenges—but I was also pursuing a master's degree, aiming to further my education and open new doors for my future. At the same time, I maintained a full-time job, which added another layer of responsibility and pressure.
This period in my life was marked by intense stress and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. There were days when I struggled just to get out of bed, feeling the weight of expectations and deadlines pressing down on me. My mental health began to suffer, and I noticed myself spiraling into darker places, where anxiety and depression threatened to take hold. The situation became even more difficult when I learned that several close friends had passed away in a short span of time. Each loss felt like another blow, making it harder to find stability or peace.
Writing became my lifeline during these turbulent months. It became a form of self-therapy, allowing me to process my emotions and cope with the grief, stress, and uncertainty that seemed to surround me. Through storytelling, I found a way to express the thoughts and feelings I couldn't share out loud, and writing provided a safe space to work through my pain.
The year 2025 will stand out in my memory as overwhelmingly complex—a time when I was forced to confront more challenges than I ever expected. I often wonder where I would be now if not for the incredible support network I was fortunate to have. My family, friends, and coworkers were my anchors, helping me stay grounded and reminding me of the good in life. I want to thank those outside of my family who help me stay sane and allowed me to visit this venue: Cate, Ari, Tati, Josh, Alli, Ruby, the Smash Bandits, and, perhaps most importantly, Kumo’s B$% %^&$’s—the Monday evening gamers. They brought me back to the gaming table, where I was able to rediscover my inner voice.
