Amanda Doulos is a digital editor for Love What Matters based in New York City. She will graduate from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of English Literature and Spanish in Spring 2023. She loves staying involved as vice president of the mock trial team and secretary of Spanish Honor Society. In her free time, she loves reading, traveling, and spending time with friends.
“No one should have to struggle for food. Food is a necessity, not a privilege.”
“There were times where I was just too mentally exhausted to cope. I just couldn’t face going outside. Lyra gives me the courage to try new things. She’s more than just a dog. She’s part of my family.”
“‘You’re WAY too sensitive.’ They don’t know I am constantly aware of the clock ticking, people typing, colleagues moving, screens shining, lamp shining, them laughing, the radio playing. This world is so LOUD.”
“When my mom asked me to take a step back from school and work to take care of her during her cancer treatments, I didn’t hesitate to choose my mama. By being a caregiver, I learned how to be a patient.”
“I’ve always been aware of the fragility of life, but it’s human nature to think, ‘It won’t happen to me.’ My life suddenly became this fragile flower in my hands.”
“My hair put me in the spotlight. People thought I was strange or unhappy, but on the inside was a party full of light and laughter. I had to choose ME.”
“When I went to doctors, I didn’t get answers. Instead, I entered into a world of discrimination and trauma. ‘You just want pain meds.’ I’d need a lot of strength for the next part of my journey.”
“I’d fantasize about calling in sick to work and checking into a hotel just to sleep. I wanted to quit.”
“I would copy and paste the personalities of those around me. My sense of identity was so lost. I was in survival mode.”
“I felt queasy. ‘What’s wrong?’ I’d never seen a positive, EVER. Something felt different this time. After only 30 seconds, the results were in. Our lives changed forever.”
