My relationship with my mum is quite chaotic. She would often verbally and physically abuse me. I remember she used to say that I "should be struck by lightning" and that she'd "rather have a pig than have me".  

I always felt that I wasn't good enough for her and I felt very insecure all the time. I remember going to school with a lot of anxiety, and often questioned what people would think of me - "Do people like me? Do people really hate me for who I am?" 

The turning point came when I met adults who would sit down with me and listen to my story. I still remember the first time my mentor heard my story; all she did was to hug me. I'm just very thankful how these adults showed love selflessly towards me. 

I’ve come to accept that I cannot change my situation. But I think one thing that I can change is my perspective. 

I always count my blessings, literally. I will say "Oh, my father loves me. This person, this person, this person…" And I tell myself, "Look, there are so many people who still care for me!" 

I think that made me felt like, I want to be the change. I want to love people the same way that people have been for me.