“More Than Words” by D’mya-Rae Bandy, 16

What if obstacles were actually opportunities to discover who we truly are? Each challenge reveals a stronger version of ourselves. Personal growth pushes us to redefine our limits, confront insecurities, and build resilience. I have lived with a chronic speech impediment for as long as I can remember. It is not just about mispronouncing a few words; it’s an invisible condition that affects every part of my day. Tasks that most people consider simple such as, introducing myself, reading aloud, ordering food, and saying my name, became overwhelming. This unfortunately, made me a target for bullying at school. Pronouncing words correctly was a huge struggle for me, even with things you might think would be easy, like my name, D’Mya-Rae. It was already difficult for many to pronounce, and my struggle with saying "Rae" correctly eventually led me to stop using it. The bullying created insecurities about my voice, and I struggled to speak up or advocate for myself. The teasing I endured made me feel ashamed of my speaking. I began to shrink into silence, afraid to raise my hand, read aloud, or share how I felt. I let others speak for me; not because I agreed with them, but because I didn’t like my own voice.

Seeking a more supportive environment, I eventually started attending the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Youth Center through the Boys and Girls Club of America. I found a community that listened, supported, and believed in me. Slowly, I started finding my voice again. That encouragement helped me take on something I never imagined I’d do: become a podcast host. This foundation of encouragement and growth prepared me for new challenges, including stepping into the role of a podcast host. As someone with a speech impediment, this has been a significant personal challenge. Learning to speak with clarity and confidence has been a transformative journey and one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience. Hosting I-Beyond, a podcast that explores banned books, has been one of my proudest accomplishments. It’s not just a podcast, it’s my way of reclaiming what I once lost. Each episode is proof that I am not defined by a diagnosis or a difficulty, but by how I respond to it. What once felt like an insecurity has now become a platform for empowerment and growth. Through hosting a podcast, I have embraced my voice as a powerful tool to connect with others and advocate for meaningful issues, proving that the obstacles we face can become opportunities for growth. Through this journey, I’ve realized that my speech impediment didn’t silence me; it shaped me. It gave me empathy, patience, and strength. It taught me that impact isn't about being the loudest in the room, but the most authentic.

Now, I use my voice to advocate for those who may still feel invisible, reminding them that they, too, deserve to be heard. But this isn’t just about my voice; it’s about how we treat and support each other as teens. Speech issues, bullying, and silence are part of a much larger issue that impacts teen health: how we talk about self-worth, anxiety, and acceptance. My early experiences made me deeply aware of how emotional and mental wellness affects everything; from confidence in school to how we form relationships and take on opportunities. Today, I work to improve teen well-being, not just for myself but for others. As the 2025 Virginia Military Youth of the Year and serving on the Military Teen Ambassador steering committee, I help lead conversations and host events that give teens the tools to support their emotional and social health. Whether it’s leading teen talks like “Finding Your Voice,” volunteering at service events, or mentoring younger students, I focus on making safe, uplifting spaces where teens can express themselves without fear. When I speak to groups now, I often share how I overcame my speech challenges and how it helped me become a stronger leader. That vulnerability opens the door for others to talk about the challenges they face. Those conversations are a form of healing, acceptance, and connection with others and yourself.

In my volunteer work at Sentara Leigh Hospital, I’ve also seen firsthandly how emotional wellness is just as critical as physical health. A smile, a conversation, or even helping a patient feel seen can make a difference. I bring that same care into every leadership role I take on; from Student Council President to hospital volunteering. Living with a chronic condition has helped me grow into a leader who listens first and leads with compassion. I’m not sure I would have developed that without the struggles I’ve faced. But now I see my journey not as something to hide, but as something that prepared me to make a difference.

Did you know diamonds are made by extreme amounts of pressure? While growth can be painful, I recognize that these character-building experiences made me who I am today. And as I continue to speak up for myself, for others, for change; I carry that transformation with pride. So shine bright, tonight, you and I, we're beautiful like diamonds in the sky.