Sophia Buinicky

I was born in 2009.

Protests erupted over the 2009 Iranian presidential election.

My mom survived a cancer called Hodgkin's lymphoma.

My dad fights in the Air Force.
They both believe in God.

My parents had a set of rules for what not to use as a name.

My name means “Wisdom of God”.
I guess I tend to give ‘wise’ advice.
“Fia” is my most common nickname.

My mom always tells me, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Be proud of who you are because the people who wrong you probably just don’t know how to talk to
you.
When someone hurts you or you do something wrong, it will only make you stronger.

I hope to be successful and independent.

I am confident and proud but also kind.

Just because I look like I don't care doesn’t mean that I’m not listening.
Just because someone neglects themselves doesn't mean they don’t wanna be friends.
Some people may think I’m mean or too physical doesn’t mean I can’t be a good friend.

Look beyond what you see and maybe you’ll find something remarkable.
Most people don’t know that I got a hole in my skull when I was younger. I dove into the coffee table,
while playing with my dad.

One thing I crave is security because all I’ve ever really felt was pain mentally and physically.
Additionally, I would love to be heard and understood. Like for the longest time, I’ve felt invisible,
like my existence has been wiped. Then when I am noticed, it’s like their brain goes “Oh. Hi. I didn’t
see you there.”