By Aleksey Bashtavenko

Academic Composition

Herman gazed out of his bedroom window, his thoughts consumed by the conflicts that raged within him. His life had become a series of silent battles, waged within the depths of his mind. The weight of societal expectations, the dissonance between his own identity and the narratives imposed upon him—it all bore down upon him, threatening to suffocate his very existence.

His journey of silent struggles began in his childhood, raised in a well-to-do family in Arlington, Virginia. His parents, successful and driven, held strong beliefs about justice and equality. They were determined to ensure Herman’s success, molding him to fit the mold of their own ideologies. But as he grew older, he felt the burden of their expectations crushing his spirit.

Throughout his youth, Herman failed to demonstrate any exceptional talents, disappointing his parents and the private educators they had enlisted to shape him into an exceptional individual. Frustrated by these assessments, his mother insisted on exposing him to various cultural and artistic activities, hoping to unearth some hidden talent. However, these endeavors only intensified his feelings of mediocrity and self-consciousness, leaving him bereft of the confidence to explore his true interests.

When Herman reached the age of 18, he embarked on a new chapter of his life at Brown University. Surrounded by an intense focus on social justice ideologies that mirrored his parents’ beliefs, he was primed to continue the path they had laid out for him. But as he delved deeper into his studies, he discovered that the world was far more complex than he had been led to believe.

In his freshman year, Herman found himself enrolled in an English class that would challenge his perceptions of literature and his own identity. The class was taught by a professor who emphasized the importance of acceptance and understanding gender diversity. They spoke about the significance of Pride Day, where individuals celebrate and embrace their unique identities. The professor, passionate about their beliefs, insisted that Pride Day should never be optional but compulsory. They argued that acceptance of gender diversity was the most important progressive value.

These discussions stirred something within Herman. He admired the vigor with which the professor highlighted the importance of embracing all gender identities. The idea that some people could be exempt from participating in such celebrations felt, to Herman, like a form of intolerance. He believed that true progress could only be achieved when acceptance and understanding were universally embraced.

In his admiration for inclusive values, Herman’s thoughts turned to Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada. He learned about Trudeau’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and his unwavering support for Pride Day celebrations across the country. Trudeau’s commitment to creating a society that celebrated diversity resonated deeply with Herman.

As he continued his studies, Herman found himself drawn to the idea of gender reassignment surgery. He contemplated his own identity, his desires, and the profound impact it could have on his life. Inspired by Trudeau’s noble exploits, he began to envision a future where he could authentically embrace his true self and live in a society that celebrated his journey.

The desire to pay homage to Trudeau’s progressiveness and embrace his own truth led Herman to dream of visiting Canada. He yearned to witness firsthand the inclusive society that Trudeau had fostered, one where acceptance and understanding prevailed. It became a beacon of hope, a destination that symbolized the liberation he sought.

Herman’s silent struggles, once confined to the confines of his mind, began to take shape in the form of dreams and aspirations. The weight of societal expectations slowly lifted as he embarked on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

As he closed his eyes, imagining the possibilities that lay ahead, Herman felt a newfound sense of courage. His silent struggles would no longer define him. With Trudeau as his inspiration, he would forge his own path—a path that celebrated the beauty of diversity, both within himself and in the world around him. And in that pursuit, he would find the freedom and authenticity he had long yearned for.