“This year is described with 3 sentences. I suffered. I learned. I changed.

You’re going to ask: “Why aren’t you worried?”

My answer is: “If I’ve done the very best I can, worrying won’t make it any better. If you want to be successful, respect one rule- never let failure take control of you. Cause everybody has gone through something that has changed them in a way that they could never go back to the person that they once were.”

So, this year gave me some shocks. I met my mother after almost 9 years. And for the first time of my life, I met my dad.  Those two experiences brought a mixture of opposite emotions within me. Every time I have a plan in my head for my future, time don’t forget to surprize me. Hopefully, I am surrounded by people who care about me and who are never tired of giving me advice when needed and want what is best for me. I read somewhere that parents are supposed to introduce you to strangers, help you adapt to new situations, not vice versa. However, that was not my situation. While rebuilding my relationship with my parents, I learned that forgiveness means moving forward despite the past. So, from now on, I will be the creator and the writer of my own story. 

Another event this year was my enrolment in high school. I am attending one of the best high schools in Tirana. What I like about this school is that the students can explore their hobbies through different activities. While growing up in SOS Children’s Village Tirana, I was urged to explore and cultivate various interests, which I strongly believe have contributed to shaping the person I am today. That is why art is my way of understanding the world. With art, even dandelions can be transformed into suns and moons. I started drawing and dancing at the age of seven and unconsciously learned to give colours and music to my life.

For me, being a high school student means setting clear goals to accomplish your dreams. My goals for this year are being a good student, practicing sports, and of course art. And as my SOS mother says – “with your determination and our family support, you can achieve everything.”

Another thing I learned was that there’s something wonderful about time. It shows you that efforts and patience pay you back by unfolding new roads on which you walk happily. It teaches you that change is part of life, and through experience, we gain wisdom. I have changed. And through change, I learned to accept and love myself for who I am. Maybe I have a different story from those of my friends, but it surely has miracles, blessings and good luck in it.

I am happy about not being perfect. Because for me, perfection is for straight lines and edges, and I am as shaped as my heart.”