Miguel Martinez

It wasn’t until about a year after graduating that I truly began my self-discovery journey. That period became a turning point in my life one where I started exploring spirituality, consciousness, and the strength that comes from within. Looking back, I can admit that in high school, I was a kid crying out for help but didn’t know how to express it. My pain often showed through anger and rebellion, but what I really needed was understanding.

At the time, I felt misunderstood and, at moments, even bullied by the very people who were meant to guide me. But now I see that everyone, even adults, are doing their best with what they know. Those experiences taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of self-reflection. I’ve learned that every situation, no matter how uncomfortable, is part of the process meant to shape us not scare us.

So, I want to express gratitude to the cheerleading administration, the Girls Show advisors, and the athletic directors for simply being yourselves. Every interaction, good or bad, played a role in shaping who I am today. Through it all, I’ve grown into someone who understands that healing begins with awareness and that growth is a lifelong process.