by Je Tuan Lavyonne

I cringe when I think of my teenage years; I’m not one of those people that wishes I could go back and do it all again. I had some good times, and I met two lifelong friends, but I am so happy that part of my life is over. If I could go back, it would only be to give myself words of wisdom. Here are seven things that I would say.

by Crissinda M. Ponder

I don't know how long it took, reaching this epiphany. I just know that I'm grateful I've arrived.

Growing up with an absentee father was hard – is hard. The emotions that resulted from the void he left are even harder. I can't count the instances I got my hopes up for quality time only to be let down, the tears I've cried for blaming myself for his absence, and the years of anger that festered within me from not letting go of the hurt.