For several years, I was trapped in a destructive cycle of substance abuse and alcoholism. Before addiction took over my life, I was a dedicated student who was fully engaged in academics and extracurricular activities, to the extent that I even become a full-time college student during my junior year of high school. I had clear ambitions, strong relationships, and a promising path ahead. I had no idea that my future was about to take a drastic turn, and not in the direction I had hoped. Grappling with mounting pressure, childhood trauma, and emotional turmoil, I turned to drugs and alcohol to dull the pain. Years into my substance dependency, I found myself trapped in a physically abusive relationship. Despite the fact that my ex-partner was arrested multiple times on domestic violence charges, I stayed in the relationship, convinced that my own issues with substances made me deserving of violence. This was when a bleak realization came to me; I was trapped not only by the abusive relationship but also by my addiction. Deeply ashamed of who I had become, I shut out everyone who wanted to help me. I couldn’t stand the thought of letting my friends and family see how dire my situation had become. Suffocating in guilt and trauma, my self-isolation only fueled my dependency further. When I finally escaped that relationship, the emotional scars ran deep, and my reliance on alcohol and drugs became completely unmanageable. I lost everything—my job, car, apartment, friends, and family—and when I hit rock bottom, I attempted to take my own life. That was my turning point. In the days following my suicide attempt, my parents came to the hospital and offered me the help I had desperately needed but had been too embarrassed to ask for. They enrolled me in a 90-day treatment program, where I received the critical support and care that allowed me to build a solid foundation for my recovery. Although the beginning was not easy, those three months changed my life for the better. I learned how to cope with my trauma, face my addiction, and began the long process of healing. Over time, I’ve been fortunate enough to make amends with my loved ones while rebuilding a network of support. I’m slowly reclaiming the future I once believed was lost. I’ve attempted to return to university several times, but financial challenges have hindered my education. Despite these setbacks, I am more determined than ever to pursue personal growth. Today, when I’m met with adversity, I know I have numerous tools and resources available to help me manage my life without needing to run from it. While my journey may not have been a linear path forward, I remain grateful for every step taken as I’ve been able to learn the importance of resilience and self-compassion along the way. I am no longer just surviving—I am building a life filled with hope and healing. My past experiences continue to inspire me to help others who are struggling, whether that looks like advocating for systemic change, volunteering in community programs, or simply lending a listening ear to someone who needs a friend. I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to write an essay for the Alexander Hipple Recovery Scholarship. With the support of this scholarship, I would be able to continue my educational pursuits while nurturing my recovery—not only for myself, but as an example to others fighting their own battles.

Taking a person who dreads picking up a book and transforming them into someone with a genuine passion for reading is no easy task—yet this is exactly what #BookTok did for me. The first book on my ideal bookshelf would have to be “Dark Matter” written by Blake Crouch; it is a mind-bending thriller that confronts themes of alternate realities, identity, and sacrifice. With a fast-paced and multifaceted plot, this book is a page-turner that compels readers to immerse themselves in the author’s storytelling. Users within the #BookTok community wasted no time diving into discussions about the ethical dilemmas that Jason, the main character, grapples with. “Dark Matter” raises philosophical questions surrounding reality and the lengths someone would go to reclaim their life, and these have become popular topics for discourse among content creators who have read the book. While I could easily compile an extensive list of reasons why I subjectively love this book, the true testament to its greatness lies in the overwhelming positive engagement it has received from #BookTok users. Next on my imaginary shelf of literature is “The Black Farm” series by Elias Witherow. This series has significantly influenced my reading habits, marking my first encounter with the horror genre. While the writing style greatly deviates from what is typically regarded as classic, I found it to be highly enjoyable, albeit dark. What stands out most in this novel is the visceral nature of Witherow’s writing; it evokes intense emotions from the reader. This book may not top the list of popular recommendations on mainstream #BookTok, but if your algorithm leans towards the eerie and unsettling, then “The Black Farm” might just make its way onto your For You Page. This extreme horror series pushes boundaries and delves into disturbing, yet fascinating, themes of life after death, moral ambiguity, and survival. It has sparked thought-provoking video essays about fear, the allure of exploring the unknown, and grief after loss. Behind the more shocking elements of this book is a subtle reminder that literature can push us out of our comfort zones to confront difficult truths about human nature. Last, but certainly not least, is “The Empyrean” series by Rebecca Yarros. This series has garnered immense popularity within the #BookTok community, and rightfully so. The author seamlessly weaves various genres—including fantasy, romance, and action—forming a remarkable reading experience. The strong character development and vivid world-building have captivated book clubs and #BookTok users alike, transforming this series into a sensation. Violet, one of the main characters, fascinated readers with her growth from a reluctant cadet to a fierce and resilient warrior. #BookTok readers have embraced Violet’s journey, drawing parallels between her challenges and the struggles faced by young adults everywhere. I found Violet’s resilience deeply inspiring, as it highlights the importance of persistence in my own life. Additionally, I’ve come across some creative #BookTok users cosplaying as characters from this series wearing intricate costumes designed for their videos. I find this to be an entertaining and imaginative way to foster a sense of belonging among readers within the community. #BookTok has enriched my bookshelves with a wonderful diversity and depth, and I hope that the books I’ve chosen to discuss reflect even a small portion of that. From boundary-pushing horror to mind-bending science fiction and emotionally charged journeys, each of these books has left a lasting impression on my reading journey. #BookTok showcases the platform’s unique ability to connect readers like never before. I’m endlessly grateful to this niche online community for demonstrating the power literature holds to connect, challenge, and transform us in unexpected ways.

Recovery serves as the foundation beneath my feet and the air that surrounds me; it encompasses everything in between. Sobriety signifies so much more than just refraining from substances. For me, it represents a profound transformation of my life, mindset, and future. My recovery, like many others, began when I lost everything. Clouded by despair, I failed to see the incredible gift I had received. Early in my journey, I sometimes felt like I was losing something—perhaps even myself. However, it didn't take long for me to recognize that recovery was not a loss; it was, in fact, a path to gaining everything. What I eventually came to understand was that I had just been given a rare and remarkable opportunity to rediscover who I truly am, free from the haze of addiction. I began to explore hobbies, old and new, and started listening to my favorite musicians again. I set out to mend my relationships with loved ones while also working to repair broken friendships. I found a community of others in recovery with whom I can share my experiences. And more recently, I decided to continue my formal education at a university. My recovery journey has not only facilitated my healing but has also empowered me to pursue ambitions that once seemed impossible. Moving forward, I am committed to embracing my newfound purpose and using my experiences to inspire others, proving that recovery is not just a destination but a transformative journey towards a brighter future.