1. I live alone in a tiny student apartment. People expected me to have a nicer place by now. But I just needed somewhere I could afford while I figure things out. 2. I send half of what I earn to my family every month. Some think it’s “too much.” But for me, it’s just the right thing to do. 3. I never had the typical teen experience. No prom, no crushes, no love stories. They couldn’t relate. So they walked away. 4. I speak slowly because I’m scared of making mistakes in English. They found it awkward. I saw it as courage. 5. I’ve never touched alcohol. They said I’m boring. But I just have different values. 6. I flinch when someone touches me unexpectedly. They called me distant. But no one ever asked why. 7. When I don’t get certain jokes or cultural references, I stay quiet. They assumed I had no personality. In truth, I’m just learning in a world that never explained the rules. 8. I tear up every time I hear my mom’s voice. They said I was too emotional. But she’s the only one who still feels like home. 9. I freeze when people ask, ‘Where are you from?’ I never know what to say. I don’t really feel like I belong anywhere. 10. I don’t dress like the girls around me. They expected trendy and cool. I just wear what feels safe. 11. I go quiet in big groups. They thought I’m not fun. But I’m just trying to stay calm and not get overwhelmed. 12. I stopped trying to please people. That’s when they lost interest. Maybe they only loved the version of me that kept performing. - @notsashasha