I am

I am damaged.
I come from a past of divorce and poverty
But I do not let that control my fate.
I am a survivor.

I am beautiful.
I come from growing too fast and being "bigger" than my peers
But I do not let that define me.
I am a force.

I am strong.
I come from a teen age pregnancy and alcoholic induced beatings
But I do not let that harden me.
I am a lover.

I am dynamic.
I come from good manners, hugs and sharing smiles.
But I do not give excuses to waste them.
I am a student.

I am observant.
I come from high expectations of learning to speak and write well
But I do not surpass thinking things through.
I am a leader.

I am confident.
I come from facing your fears and "you just need to try"
But I do not know only one way to get there.
I am a thinker.

I am thankful.
I come from hard work and using the talents you've been given
But I do not let others dictate my work.
I am a warrior.

I am contagious.
I come from inspiration, ideas and carrying it through
But I do not neglect including others.
I am a teacher.

I am rich.
I come from learning your lessons and whom to trust
But I don't let that feed into my circle. 
I am a friend.