2021 Blog

2021 was a year of constant change for me, both personally and in the world around me. The pandemic still had its grip on everything, and life felt uncertain in so many ways. School was this strange blend of virtual and in-person classes, and while it had its challenges, I learned how to adapt. But it wasn’t just about managing schoolwork; I was also managing how I felt about my vitiligo. I had been dealing with it for years, but in 2021, it started to weigh on me more. I began going to light therapy sessions regularly, and while it was slow progress, there were days when I wasn’t sure if it was working. Yet, I stuck with it, holding onto the hope that things would get better. As difficult as it was, my light therapy sessions became a routine, and I knew that every time I went, I was taking one step forward, even if it was hard to see any immediate results. That year, I started thinking more about what it meant to embrace my vitiligo and share my story, but I was still figuring out how to do that.

Joining HOSA that year was a big turning point for me. Before, I always felt like the odd one out because of my vitiligo—like people only saw my skin and not me. But with HOSA, I found a group of people who accepted me for who I am, not just how I look. It was more than just a club; it became a space where I could express myself and feel connected. Qualifying for the state competition was huge for me, even though I couldn’t attend the international one due to financial reasons. It still felt like a big accomplishment and gave me confidence that I didn’t really have before. Being part of that team made me realize that I could contribute something valuable, not just as a student, but as a person. The sense of belonging I felt in HOSA helped me come out of my shell a bit, and it motivated me to start thinking about how I could help others, especially those who might feel isolated because of their own challenges.

By the end of 2021, I started seeing things a little differently. It was a year of growth, learning to accept parts of myself that I had struggled with for a long time. I also realized how much I want to help others feel less alone in their struggles, whether it’s through my advocacy for vitiligo or just by being someone who understands what it’s like to be different. The year wasn’t perfect, but it shaped who I am today in ways I didn’t expect. Looking back, I see it as a year that challenged me, but also pushed me toward something better. I gained a lot of insight into myself and my goals during that time. I had begun to understand that my experiences with vitiligo could be a source of strength rather than something that held me back. The obstacles I faced in 2021, from managing school in the pandemic to my ongoing treatments, showed me that resilience doesn’t always mean having immediate success—it’s about continuing forward, even when the path is unclear. And in that sense, 2021 was a year that gave me the courage to keep going, to build on what I’d learned, and to start thinking more seriously about the future I want to create for myself and others.

Reflecting on 2021, I see it as a year that planted the seeds for many of the things I’m working on now. The experience of dealing with my own doubts, especially with the slow progress of my therapy, made me realize that patience and persistence are key. I learned that real change takes time, both physically and mentally. This mindset carried into other aspects of my life, including school and my relationships with others. I began to understand that everything doesn’t need to happen overnight. Sometimes, the small steps forward are the ones that make the biggest difference in the long run. That’s something 2021 taught me over and over again. It wasn’t just a year of challenges; it was a year that helped me develop a sense of purpose, which is now leading me to bigger goals, like raising awareness for vitiligo and helping others who feel like they’re on the outside looking in. Now, I’m working on turning those lessons into action.