I believe in telling stories. I believe that telling stories is one of the most powerful forms of expression and that it is a way to release fierce emotion. Listening to stories has been one of the most influential experiences of my life. Stories inspire me, and they allow me to see life through different eyes and open my mind to new ideas. I am blessed to have met so many amazing people and I am lucky to have been able to be a part of their story. I believe that listening to someone’s story is an amazing gift. Stories show that everyone has a downfall, and that no one is perfect. This is why they are so important; they allow people to connect through the journeys and trials of others. I believe in telling stories because of the meaning and purpose behind them. Some of the stories that meant the most to me came from the most unlikely people; they came from a homeless man, a girl with special needs, a Vietnam vet, a woman working at Wal-Mart, the overlooked. I believe that every story has value. Even though these people may of not been the most successful according to the standards of the world we live in today, they taught me some of the most important lessons of my life. They taught me that imperfection is the interesting part of a story and that it can become something beautiful. I believe that their stories were so powerful to me because of the passion behind them and the way they told them to me. My story has been changed because of the stories of others and the way that they have impacted me. I believe that everyone tells their story through the way they choose to live their life. I want my story to impact others, and I want my story to make a difference someday. I want to tell a story of growth, and perseverance, I want to prove myself to all those who have doubted me. So far my story has been far from perfect, I have made many mistakes, but I feel that I have grown from each one. In my story, I have struggled with identity and with judgments I felt others had placed on me. Sometimes I allowed others to define me, but I believe that I get to write my own story; I believe that I am in control of my future, I believe I get to choose who I will be. I believe that my story has just begun, and that I have many chapters to tell. I believe I have time for redemption and time to prove that my imperfections have only made me stronger. I can only hope that it can someday inspire someone else, or inspire positive change in his or her story. I believe in telling stories because of the way they connect people to each other and because of the way they express a persons personal journey.