Alopecia an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the hair follicles resulting in hair loss. I was eight-years-old when I was diagnosed with alopecia. From a young age, I struggled with my appearance, self-consciousness, and depression.

How do I continue mundane daily tasks while injustice and pain are boiling over into riots and protests? I can't ignore my own anger and grief. But how do I wage war against such widespread and deeply ingrained systems of injustice? I may not be able to control what's happening out in the world but I can control my thoughts and perspective. I can contribute by using my voice to promote a more inclusive and empathetic environment. Black lives matter.

Along with feelings of embarrassment, I struggled with conflicted feelings of anger. I didn’t ask for alopecia. I didn't ask to be jeered at or ridiculed. It infuriated me that people couldn't be empathetic about something I have no control over. I was angry at myself, angry at my hair, and angry that I couldn't control my situation…

In life and alopecia, there are lessons and blessings. Unfortunately, some lessons are harder to swallow. Prom was one of those lessons for me. I'm still learning to let go of the anger and guilt I feel because I wasn't accepting of my appearance. But through the lesson, I…