The Only One There

My life had been going downhill since the beginning of high school. I hated school and I didn't care about anything in my life. But something my brother had told me about my high school was sitting in the back of my mind through the beginning of the year. He told me, "If you ever needed someone to talk to, the counselors are there for you."

I had been secretly fighting my own battle, I had very low self-esteem, which made it harder to enjoy being on stage in my one love: acting.

I had been unwilling to talk to my assigned counselor because it wasn't the same one that my brother had, so I didn't think he would be as good. Finally, I convinced myself that I needed to see him because I needed help. Before I went to see him the first time, I wasn't sure if I was going to truly be able tell him my problems. But something about just sitting in his office finally made me open up and I told him everything I'd been hiding inside myself. Something about him let me be comfortable to spill all my problems.

He listened and then we worked out a plan. I am sure that if it weren't for him, I would still be so unhappy, struggling with low self-esteem. He showed me that no one is alone and that there is always someone there for us. He has been there for me to talk to ever sense our first meeting. Over the summer, he even emailed me to be sure I was doing all right.

Submitted by Anonymous

Listening