Medhanit Desta

Journalism

Hey! My name is Medhanit Desta and I am 16 years old. I have lived in Maryland ever since I was born with the exception of a year in 6-7 grade when I lived in Alexandria, Louisiana. I joined Stories Untold US because of my passion for writing and social issues. When I was younger I would get picked on so I became a shy person. I used to have trouble confronting people and sticking up for myself so I began to write. Writing was a way I could express myself. At a time when no one would listen to me, I had reassurance knowing that the pages in my journal were great listeners to what I had to say. Writing gave me confidence and grew me into the person I am today. The most precious thing in life to me is my family. My parents came to America from Ethiopia [Africa] with a dream to live a better life. They started from nothing and they faced some racist people but they didn’t give up. I thank them for all the opportunities that are available to me today. And with my siblings, you could say that there is never a dull day with them. A fun fact about me is that adventure is an important thing that I have to have in my life (second to family/friends). I’m not too sure about what I want to do with my life currently, but I do know one thing, I want to live the most adventurous life possible. I plan to go as deep into the ocean as my human body will allow and go zip-lining from above the clouds; swim with whales and dolphins, eat the best burger in the world, meet as many people as possible, fly an airplane, etc. “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” - Marcus Aurelius. I am so excited to be apart of the Stories Untold Team.