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I came to Auroville as an angry, friendless twelve year old who refused to go barefoot and hated the red soil, the stains it left on my clothes. I was dragged here kicking and screaming, and I'm so grateful that Auroville proved to be more stubborn than me, that it stayed patiently and held me until I learned to love it, until I learned to call it home. 

I will always count spending my teenage years in Auroville as a blessing. I would have become someone very different without this environment, and I don't think I would like that person as much. 

I have mostly my education to thank for how much I've grown. In Deepanam and Last School I made friends, read poems, met teachers, and had experiences which shaped me into who I am. When I talk to my friends in other cities, they speak of school with frustration and fear, and it reminds me that my ability to associate school with a sense of safety is a rarity and a great luxury. 

Having a solid support system might be the most important thing Auroville has given me. I've learnt that a feeling of community builds confidence; I have learnt to express and stand up for myself because of the knowledge that I have people standing with me. 

I have learnt to care. I am no longer the little girl so afraid of being hurt that she barely allowed any of herself to be seen. I have learnt that vulnerability is our most accurate measure of courage, that loving fiercely is an act of strength and defiance. 

I'm almost seventeen now and I still can't get the red soil stains out of my clothes, but Auroville has seeped in much deeper. I wish I could talk to the girl I was when I arrived here. I wish I could hold her and tell her of the laughter and tears and indestructible peace awaiting her. I know she would be proud.