Break the Silence – Walk the Distance

It was a cold morning, and I was laughing with my friends in homeroom. Then our substitute teacher, just about to start class, was interrupted by the coordinator.

She paused and said gently, "There’s something I need to tell you. A Year 10 student has passed away."
Time stopped. My heart sank. I looked at my friends, we all knew. I rushed to the coordinators' office, hoping it wasn’t them. But as more of my friends came in, crying, I knew it was real.

I broke down. The room filled with tears and silence. Friends held each other. I felt numb, like everything inside me vanished.

That day changed me. I still remember every moment, the empty faces, the unbearable sadness, the helplessness. For months I felt guilt, like I’d missed a sign, like I could’ve done something.

It’s almost been a year, and I still feel lost sometimes. Like a bike with no pedals.
But I’ve learned this: please, if you’re struggling, don’t stay silent. There is help. There is hope.

Services like Lifeline are there 24/7. Talking to someone can save a life, maybe even your own.

Help sponsor me today as we Break the Silence & Walk the Distance!