What Defines Me | By Kyra Allyson, 17

The blazing sun began its descent, casting a golden hue across the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, painting the skies with a multitudeof reds and oranges. It was in this vibrant metropolis that my story unfolded—a tale of resilience, faith, and personal growth. At the tender age of fourteen, I found myself navigating the labyrinthine corridors of life, battling the shadows of racial remarks, judgment on my appearance, and the weight of academic stress. As a born-again Christian, my heart was steadfast in my faith, finding solace and strength in my relationship with Christ. However, the world around me seemed determined to challenge my resolve. The echoing hallways of my high school became breeding grounds for toxic friendships and unkind words, whispered and shouted in ignorance.

The day began like any other, with the cacophony of voices and the scent of freshly brewed tea filling our cosy home. My parents, hardworking individuals, had always instilled in me the importance of education and excellence. Their dreams for my future were etched deeply in their eyes, and I carried their aspirations upon my shoulders. But they soon morphed into burdens that plagued my heart. I slowly crumbled from academic stress that loomed over me like a relentless shadow. The expectations of my parents, who longed for me to excel in my studies, became an unbearable weight on my shoulders. Every grade I earned, and every test I took, was scrutinised with unwavering intensity. The fear of disappointing them, of falling short of their dreams, suffocated my spirit.

But amidst the pressure to excel academically, I found myself struggling with the weight of my own insecurities. Racial remarks whispered in my ear like venomous serpents, seeping into the crevices of my self-esteem. But the attacks didn't stop at my ethnicity. My weight became a target for cruel jabs, words that seeped into my thoughts like venom. I battled against the relentless pressures to conform to society's warped ideals of beauty, as whispers of "fat" and "ugly" echoed through my mind. I felt the harsh sting of judgment on my weight and the presence of arm and leg hair that defied societal beauty standards. My self-esteem withered like a fragile flower in a scorching desert, wilting under the weight of those hurtful words.

The lunch break was a moment of respite from the classroom battles. However, even within the hallowed halls of our school's cafeteria, I found myself longing for acceptance, yearning to be seen beyond the superficial façade of my appearance. The sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air, but within the symphony of voices, I felt the weight of judgment pressing against my spirit. Within this suffocating atmosphere, toxic friendships festered like wounds that refused to heal. I was surrounded by individuals who took delight in tearing me down, ridiculing my faith, and belittling my dreams. Their words became poison, seeping into my consciousness and breeding doubt within my heart. I craved true companionship, for friendships that would uplift and inspire me.

Amidst the storm that raged around me, I found refuge in the unwavering embrace of my relationship with Christ. In the quiet moments, I poured my heart out in prayer, seeking strength, guidance, and the courage to rise above the hurtful words and toxic environments that engulfed me. I clung to the promises of His Word, finding solace in His love that saw beyond my flaws and imperfections. As the days turned into weeks, a glimmer of hope pierced through the darkness. I encountered a group of true friends who accepted me for who I was, embracing my faith and standing beside me through thick and thin. With their support, I began to rebuild the shattered fragments of my self-esteem and regain the confidence that had been stolen by years of torment.

With newfound confidence and a support system that lifted me higher, I faced the challenges of academic stress head-on. The harsh whispers and sneering glances that once plagued my existence became distant echoes, mere remnants of a past that no longer defined me. I learned to prioritise self-care, balancing my  studies with moments of reflection and prayer. As I leaned on Christ, I discovered a wellspring of wisdom that guided me through the labyrinth of examinations and expectations. As my friendships flourished, I found the strength to confront the toxic elements in my life. I severed ties with those who sought to diminish my worth, realising that I deserved relationships that celebrated my uniqueness and encouraged me to grow. In shedding these toxic connections, I opened up space for the seeds of self-love and authenticity to take root and blossom.

My parents, witnessing my transformation, began to see the radiance that emanated from within. They rejoiced in my newfound confidence, realising that my success was not solely defined by academic accolades, but by the contentment and joy that radiated from my spirit. Their dreams for me merged with my own aspirations, creating a shared vision of a future where my faith and purpose intertwined.

Armed with a newfound resilience and the knowledge that I was deeply loved by Christ, I pressed forward, determined to prove to myself and to the world that my worth extended far beyond grades and achievements. With each step, I embraced my heritage and my faith, unapologetically weaving them into the tapestry of my life. The racial slurs that once haunted me became mere echoes, powerless against the strength that flowed through me. I recognised the beauty of my melanin-kissed skin, the elegance in my curves, and the unique attributes that made me who I was.

Through it all, my relationship with Christ served as an unyielding anchor. He whispered words of encouragement, reminding me that I was fearfully and wonderfully made. He lifted me up when I stumbled, wiped away my tears, and breathed life into my shattered dreams. I now live as a resilient soul who understands the transformative power of love, both human and divine. I walk with purpose, knowing that my worth is not defined by the judgments of others, but by the depth of my character and the love that radiates from my heart. In Christ, I have found my true source of strength, and with Him by my side, I will continue to navigate life's challenges, knowing that I am never alone.

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Kyra Allyson is a 17-year-old Malaysian who enjoys reading thriller books an an occasional pinch of romance while also possessing a discrete love for writing descriptives. She uses writing as an output for her creativity. Other interests of hers comprise K-pop, binging K-dramas and anime, as well as playing Genshin Impact.