Julia Walsh

Mrs. Kraus
English 12
9/30/15
A Stone Bridge
I felt something in me that day, a gut feeling that I was entering a dark place. My whole life up to
this point had been a fight. It was October and Id only been to one week of school. Before I
knew it, I was in Hagerstown at Stonebridge transitional care home, a short term residence for
girls. I was in a very different situation than the other girls. Some had their own children, some
were dealing with eating disorders and some had no family. I was out of control and my
parents didnt know what to do, so they sent me to hospitals year after year. I have been
depressed since 6th grade. I was bullied for being a tomboy. My former best friend was a negative
influence. I took risks and spent time only with friends because I hated being at home. I felt so
unsafe knowing my parents would call the police at any moment, and no one could protect me. It
was a very hostile environment. I was no longer motivated to go to school.
At the first month at Stonebridge, I was truly alone and my identity became unclear to me. I felt
really hopeless when girls that came after me were getting discharged. It was a 3 month program.
I was there for eight months, a whole school year. I was put into a special needs school because
of my IEP not fitting at the local high school. I was not in the right environment whatsoever, my
classes didnt challenge me academically, and I longed to go to public school. At Stonebridge, I
learned about poverty and spent time with real kids growing up with adversities, and that my life
is really great. I learned about ignorance and really, how to live with it. I learned about religion,
gained new ideas Ive never come across, and how to ice skate better. I rekindled my passion for

fitness that I lost in 6th grade when I used to run track religiously. I lead the middle school
students every morning in intensive exercises. And overall the best thing was learning that
people really like me. Many staff have told me how unusual it is to get a Julia. I was well
behaved and got along with the residents. It was more like a sleepover because everyone was so
close. When I got back from weekend passes I was received with hugs and shrieks. I made very
special relationships with staff, like Mr. Art, Mrs. Belinda, my teacher and Mr. Matt. They told
me I had such potential and gave me inspiration. I know when I left they didnt want me to go,
because I really became a part of the Stonebridge family and made the best of the once thought,
horrible situation.
The transition in my life was essentially life-saving. I was in a downhill spiral and I didnt know
how to ask for help. Admitting I needed help was the first step and for that, I feel more mature
than my peers. I have learned the true value of education, and I hope to continue learning all my
life. I love to make people laugh. The person who I was in October 2014 is so different than the
present-day me. I have developed many strong and healthy relationships. I spend most of time
with my family and my animals. Im choosing positive friends, since I chose to leave the old. I
am excelling in my classes and I really enjoy school. I am happy to be who I am and wouldnt
change much.