As the weeks turned into months at Dr. Kiano High School, the feeling of isolation became a constant companion. I often found myself drifting through the hallways, invisible to those around me. While other students laughed and chatted, I felt like a ghost, haunting the periphery of their vibrant lives. The more I tried to reach out, the more distant I felt, as if an invisible barrier separated me from everyone else.

Lunch was particularly difficult. The cafeteria buzzed with energy, filled with groups of friends sharing stories and laughter. I would grab my tray and scan the room for a place to sit.

In class, I struggled to engage. While my classmates participated in discussions and...