Today, I thought we’d share our truths, as a person’s online presence is a mere fragment of who they really are. There isn’t anything ‘wrong’ with choosing to show a ‘version’ of yourself online, but the person behind that photo, that comment, that piece of writing is too, a valued attribute to an audience.

About me, in 10

After scanning the web, I put together ten popular ‘ice-breaker’ questions, which I hope gives you some insight to me. Tell me one interesting fact about you, in the comments, so I can get-to-know you as well.

1. Who are you? I’m Heather, I’m eighteen-years-old (a Capricorn) and I’m a twin.
2. Where did you grow up? I grew up in South Yorkshire, England after being adopted in early years of my life.
3. What sport did/do you do? I started dance lessons at age three, making some amazing memories: Dancing at Disney, Performing in Blackpool Winter Gardens and even school productions, where everyone felt involved and part of the team. I now run and train with a club and rock-climb, which is really need to get back into.
4. What is one of your morals? Animal welfare and environmental sustainability is something that matters to me and I hope my actions make a positive difference; I have been a vegetarian for over a decade and do my all to consume wisely.
5. Your coffee order? This is hard, as I’m fond of coffee. Currently, a hot coconut milk latte.
6. What are your life goals? First, to learn and find the person I really am- which sounds so cheesy – I have ALOT of growing to do. Second, to make my family proud.
7. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? Hopefully, graduated from University, with a job in Journalism, in a big city, doing big things!
8. Your ‘final’ meal? Starter: Sourdough with olive oil and balsamic. Main: Tomatoey pasta with loads of basil and parmesan shavings. Dessert: Warm chocolate brownie! Drink: Slimline Rhubarb&Ginger Gin.
9. The biggest struggle you overcame? (Still overcoming) an eating disorder and depression, which has controlled my life for years. Finally, I have chosen to recover and to live, which is the most powerful thing I’ve ever done.
10. How would you describe yourself in one word? Relentless.

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Here-and-Now

You now know some of my ‘on paper’ facts, but what does my here-and-now look like? I recently wrote a piece about my UCAS journey and recieving my final university offers. Some of my upcoming plans:

• Accept my place at University of Salford, to study Broadcast Journalism and confirm accommodation, fees etc.
• Persure driving lessons and buy my first car (Covid rudely disrupted everything).
• Continue building a Portfolio of work and to explore new styles of journalism.
• Successes in freelancing and making my name ‘known’.
• A book! As simple as that; It isn’t.
• Run faster, stronger and start entering races.

Bucket-List

Everyone has a bucket list, right? For me, aspirations change, evolve and even disappear. I think that’s okay, because we aren’t our ten year-old selves. When I was ten, I sat in the middle of my primary school classroom with a tray full of ‘things’ waiting for the ‘end of the world’. I actually beleived that the world would explode and so did my friends. Superstition no longer captivates me, but manifestation interests me and maybe it will help bring this list to life:

• Graduate from University with a First in BA/Hons Degree.
• Move into my own apartment/home.
• Present with the BBC/ Broadcast with BBC Radio.
• Travel Europe, specifically Amsterdam and the Anne Frank House.
• Volunteer at an Orangutan Sanctuary.
• Have a book(s) published.

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The Truth

The truth can be both exciting and scary. What I have told you today is positive and also true; There are hard-truths behind it, you see. I chose to close the subject, until now, because I wanted you to feel excited with me and not pity. It is easy to hide kicking feet under water, but it is what keeps me afloat (The metaphors, I’m sorry! Thank my mum for that).

I mentioned it in the 10 questions, that I’m adopted and it’s something I’m not ashamed of or will hide. Infact, it can be quite amusing in small-talk, when others say, ‘Wow, you look just like your mum’, because in actual fact we don’t share any genes. Sometimes I have to laugh, to reassure people that being adopted isn’t all trauma and I wasn’t abandoned- infact helped.

Growing up, I was (and still am) privelaged, but I have never taken that for granted. I understand others needs and the need for me to ‘play a part’ too. However, at times I’ve not been there. During secondary school things got really tough: Bullying, home-life, a need to be ‘perfect’. I moved school three times, the final after being attacked by a group of girls. My brother moved away and I had GCSE’s fast approaching. I fell into the trap of an eating disorder and in the week of my ‘sweet sixteenth’ I was hospitalised.

Everyone goes through a level of stress and hardship, but for the past three years hospital has been a ‘second home’. Anorexia and Depression were determined to take my life, but me being me, I fought time and time again. Happy ending? I’m not sure, but the truth is I can see my future again and that’s empowering. Six months ago I would have told you I had no dreams. Today I have many.

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If you can take one thing away from this read, let it be that the truth isn’t shameful. Let yourself go, even if it is leaving the house without make-up, or posting an ‘unfiltered’ image. Don’t fear judgement, because its inevitable. Owning you is striking and there is strength in that.

Heather.