There are few stories shared. Scoping through this site, I found very little information from my class ('12). I would like to jolt a possible contribution following. We live in a much different world, these days. Neighbors hardly will greet one another. The pandemic has torn through communities, rendering person-to-person communication to be mainly digitally-based. Knowing such, I propose that anyone interested in sharing their stories to do just that: share in a digital format. I personally do not utilize Facebook, anymore. I am focused on my work (residential landscaping), art/music (mainly guitar; various other instruments; digital artwork; photography), and home-life (with fianceé of 6 years, and the beautiful & wise cat, Odin). Otherwise, I still find myself enjoying long walks, especially in large, naturistic areas. Now, as we all know, life is not always glamorous. I had my years of illicit substance use, and was housed [temporarily] in two separate mental institutions. The stays were short, and I learned connection abilities to utilize for both within myself, and in regarding others. It was not something I was taught by others, during my stay; as with many other of my selected ventures, it was self-explored and founded. Being able to entertain oneself in their head can be carefully structured, in order to aid in times of great separations from other peoples. I have been clean from substance use for a few years, and held myself to standards of treating others, even in those times of using. I do not look to harm others, and I never rely on violence. Even in times of threat, I prefer to think my way out of a potentially harmful situation. I have hurt others emotionally, in my many self-damaging mistakes...But, that is also without attempting to snap on others, if it can be avoided (it has happened). Preferring to walk away can be quite useful. It requires understanding and patience. I still make mistakes, but they are nowhere near the levels they once were. Improvement does happen, if one allows themselves to improve. It requires a consistent effort, in order to establish a habit of bahaviors & actions. This is a part of my story after high school. You may be wondering why I have not shared my story from when I attended both Appleton West High, and Renaissance School for the Arts...This is because I was quiet. I was anxious. I was easily dismissed. I might still be, but I do not mind, now. Those times have passed, and we all have changed. I'll admit, I was not a fan of my friends and me being harrassed, but that is often a reflection of another's pain and/or misunderstandings. It is a wonderful feeling, to finally allow oneself to move forward from the hauntings of the past. Mainly, I remember focusing on my studies. I could have tried harder, in general. I could have gone into debt for a degree, after attending one year at the University of WI, Oshkosh (2012-2013; 1st-year gen. ed. credits, only). However, I feel that each set path does have a reason for happening, regardless if we feel it is of fairness...pain...or, anything else. Every existence has the right to derive their own meaning, and believe in what it wishes to believe. I am attempting to find my own meaning, in the studies of physics (practical & quantum), nonduality/duality, various philosophies, and thinking about the many questions I have for the universe (& exploring answers for said questions). Fear is a tactic that the weak use to convince others to be fearful...Strength is a tactic practiced (but, never perfected) by those wanting to see the world heal, and inspire others to find their own strength. There is a whole spectrum of the aforementioned things that we choose how to act upon...know, do not know & do not know that we do not know...Anything between the listed, outside of; and beyond even concept, itself. Infinity cannot be defined, and consciousness cannot be negated. However each one of us choose to understand for ourselves, at any given stage, is their business. The point of all this rambling, you might be asking? To perhaps inspire another, who was feeling small, that they are just as important as anyone else (or, anything else). We are all equals, simply by the inevitability to exist, and the inability to objectively measure value. This is not a religious preaching, as I am not religious. I have not a thing to offer, other than my words. If you so choose to read this & derive meaning: That is your business. There are those in the world that still care, not even within a spite for the past and/or current state of the world. You are free, even if you do not realize your sovereignty. This is a culmination of my studies & thoughts, and I have a different love for each and every one of you. You have strength, even in the greatest times of challenges; the now, being one of those times. We must overcome it. Cheers, and good luck to all.