I used to think I couldn't use my opinions...

Ordinary to Extraordinary Story by Will Connor

When I first left RI HOPE four years ago I did not like to speak in public and thought I did not fit in. In my mind I thought that in order to actually fit in you had to believe the same thing as everybody else and go with flow. I had never thought of using my own ideas in a conversation or disagreeing with people because I believed they would dislike me for it.

Over time, as I got older I started to put my own ideas into the conversation, but it was not until I was 15 that I really started to think for myself and wasn't afraid to speak for myself. I had really started to enjoy activities such as debate where I put my own ideas in a conversation and also stood firm with them. I had started to stand up for myself and was able to hold true to my own ideas.

However it was not until I started to consider coming back to RI HOPE that I had fully come to terms with myself and feel comfortable speaking with others.

I used to think I couldn't use my opinions

but now I know standing firm with your own ideas earns people's respect.