a love letter to myself

February 6, 2024

Written by Mackenzie Martel from Russell Sage College — Troy — NY

I didn’t know

how to fix you

I didn’t know

that we would be hurting like this.


I didn’t understand you

and how some days you feel growth

and love

in your bones

and how some days you feel destruction

and aching

through your soul.


I didn’t understand you

until I chose to try

every day

every damn day

to be better

kinder

to you.


I hope you know

I will fight for you

always.

October 13, 2026
The Countdown is written by Aaron Baidoo from Park View School in London, UK
October 13, 2026
Written by Adomas Giedraitis from London Academy of Excellence Tottenham in London, UK