The Line Between Black & White

My name is Nataly Clark, and I am 20 years old. I am a young, black female trying to navigate a difficult world. I struggle with mental health, and this is my story.  I grew up in a white family, white community, white school. It was never easy, and it still isn’t. I was always the sore thumb that stuck out. I was bullied, taunted, and hated all because of my race.  As I grew up, I started to develop a low self esteem and depression. It was manageable, until it wasn’t. I moved to State College, PA at the age of 18. I had my own apartment, and moved twice. I never had a close relationship with my roommates, which made for lonely nights.  It was until the fall of 2023 that the anxiety started. I would be in a constant state of anxiety, worrying about my family, my relationship, my schooling. I was at the lowest point in my life. I wasn’t near my family, I only had one close friend, Nicolle.  I felt like I was in a constant loop of the same days. I wouldn’t sleep, I wou...