After nearly five years of being on Wikipedia and having my life immeasurably enriched by this website, I have decided to create my user page. I never really saw the need for one – I am not exactly a stickler for following the herd – but I figured that since I am in this for the long run, I suppose that having one might help demonstrate a certain level of commitment and responsibility from my side – though given my feisty nature, I am hardly an exemplary upholder of these noble traits.. ;)

On a more serious note, I joined Wikipedia when I was an anguished teenager. I needed a distraction from personal hardship, and Wikipedia served that purpose by letting me live vicariously through it – but it was more than just a distraction. It was a guiding light; a way for my younger self to familiarise myself with and fantasise about the world and all of its wonderful intricacies. Strange as it may seem, this tremendous resource was one of many things – certainly amongst the more important of the lot – that provided the impetus that I needed to work my way through the the turbulence and ultimately come out triumphant on the other end. My life has since changed significantly, so I am not as active as I used to be, but I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to take my mind off my travails by getting lost in the wonderful maze that is this priceless resource.

If you are a teenager or a young adult, and if troubles are weighing heavy on your mind – for whatever reason – then please know this: It gets better. This is not just a meaningless platitude. Life really does get better.

with love and light, Tiger7253
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October 2019