2026 – Amelia Hacking – Mountain Heights Academy HS

Broken But Beautiful

The home I was born into was nothing like home. My so-called “parents” were heavily into drugs and alcohol. I was constantly neglected, home alone with no one to care for me for days on end, which meant I would go hungry for days. There were actually even times when I was homeless and exposed to the dangers of the outside world. But when they were there, they abused me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was beaten, and I became exhausted. Exhausted and weak. They would always fight, and when they fought, it got brutal. During those fights, I remember hiding underneath the table, sobbing. Why were they not stopping? My parents were beating each other, and my “mom” was with child. None of us seemed to matter. Why couldn’t they see? When my baby sister was born on my third birthday, I took on the responsibility to be there for her because, as a baby, you always need someone to rely on.  But as a three-year-old, you can only do so much. 

Finally, at the age of six, I was placed into foster care with my two precious young sisters, where that didn’t seem to last long because a special woman of compassion and tender loving care took us in. She is the woman I am proud to call my mom. She has been a huge influence in my life and continues to be there for me even when I am not my very best. She has taught me through her example to rise above it all and to stand strong. To never give up. I extend that same truth to you all. To stand strong and to find beauty within the brokenness you may sometimes feel. Just like stained glass. A beautiful work of art created from broken pieces of glass. We can be that art piece by embracing every broken part of us. We all have something valuable to give to this world. 

Though the beginning of my education was rough, here is what changed my perspective. The things we learn in school are what we call knowledge. But as we use this knowledge, it turns into wisdom. Then, at the end of our school days and in the real world, we can live that wisdom, and as we share it with others, we become wise ourselves.

Though I would not choose to relive each of those traumatic moments, I have found appreciation for those trials because I am stronger, more resilient, empathetic, and more determined to do that which is great. And the blessings that come with those challenges have helped me to be there for others and extend a helping hand. I have this special understanding and compassion for others, knowing the pain life can bring. The beginning of my life is not my story, and that is not what defines me. I get to choose my story and how it ends. So do you.