April 15, 2012

Featured Essay: “What Day of Silence Means to Me.”

Check out another featured essay from the “What Does the Day of Silence Mean to You?” call for submissions. This essay was submitted by Kristin J. of Silverdale, WA. 

What Day of Silence Means to Me

Day of Silence to me is a day where I don’t talk. It’s a day where I can look back at all the times I haven’t been able to speak up, talk out, and express myself. It’s a day where myself and hundreds of other kids can show other people who haven’t been in our footsteps that yes, there are kids out there who can’t speak up. That there are kids out here that harm themselves because they have to keep everything bundled up inside. This day gives me a reason to go to school, gives me the chance to be with hundreds of other teens and even adults trying to change the world for better. I know how it feels to have to sit back and keep everything in and not be able to tell people what’s on my mind because of the way society is. I don’t want to get judged for what I believe in; I just want to be able to go on with my day knowing I am who I am. But it’s not easy if I’m the only one who knows who I am. This day shows people that we are silent for a reason.

Awesome, Kristin! Thanks for sharing your story! Check back tomorrow for more featured submissions! Don’t forget to register your Day of Silence event as well!

*Please note, the views expressed in the submission are those of the author, and are not necessarily shared by GLSEN.

   

About Juliann DiNicola

       

Juliann DiNicola is a part of the Community Initiatives department at GLSEN- the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network. Before working for GLSEN, Juliann was an educator with Girls Inc. and is an AmeriCorps alumni. Juliann studied Social Science Education and History at the University of Central Florida. She enjoys FRIENDS re-runs and cereal.