I felt uncomfortable and awkward around everyone when I first arrived. My suicidal thoughts were eating me alive, and I had zero motivation to get better. I was convincing myself that this was the end, but then Jaydn approached me and struck up a friendly conversation, asking how I was doing; listening genuinely when I told him why I'd admitted myself, and he didn't judge me.

Instead, he offered daily encouragement and peer-to-peer conversation about similar topics, as he and I are almost the same age, which ultimately brought a sense of peace to my soul. The fact that my own peer is able to look past my mistakes and instead chooses to have a conversation with and offer advice to me. I credit the first genuine smile on my face while being here to Jaydn.

His words replay in my head in the most encouraging way. I can do this. I can be great. Jaydn reminded me of that.