Beauty.
What comes to your mind when you read that word? Think about it for a moment. What is considered beautiful? Is beauty only physical, or is there far more to it? Why do we, as humans, hold ourselves to such a narrow standard? Aren’t we all beautiful in our own way?
For me, true beauty comes from within.
I was eight years old when I was diagnosed with alopecia. There are several types of alopecia; mine is called alopecia areata universalis. Many people aren’t familiar with it, and that’s okay. Alopecia is a major hair‑loss condition. Some people only lose a small patch of hair on their scalp. I, on the other hand, was diagnosed with one of the rarest and most severe forms. In fact, alopecia areata universalis affects only around 0.1%–0.2% of people.
Hard to believe, isn’t it? I still can’t believe it myself.
My type didn’t just take the hair on my head - it took every hair on my body. You might think, “It’s just hair.” And yes, it is just hair. But growing up in a world where hair is a big part of how we’re judged can create huge insecurities. Sadly, society often decides our worth by how we look.
I was just a young boy in primary school, completely unprepared for what was happening. It all started with a small bald patch on the back of my head. Kids noticed quickly, and some made jokes. My parents asked the school if I could wear a hat. Thankfully, they agreed. From that day on - and even now - I’ve been known as the guy who always wears a hat.
At first it felt strange, being the only one in school wearing one. I stood out, and standing out was the last thing I wanted. I didn’t want attention. I didn’t want to be treated differently because I had an illness. I just wanted to be “normal”.
It was a difficult time. Some days I arrived late to school because my parents had to take me across town for treatments. My condition didn’t harm me physically - apart from appearance - but it affected me deeply on the inside. I had a few close friends and supportive teachers, but there were still those questions that sit in your mind… Why me?
As a kid, I wasn’t expected to understand it. But what I didn’t know then was how much stronger it would make me. Don’t let anything stop you from being who you are. It didn’t stop me.
We all have moments of discouragement. Days when motivation feels impossible. But you need to find something that helps you get through it. Whether that’s music, art, sport, or a hobby, if it brings you joy or relieves stress, use it. Let it be your world.
My world was the football pitch. The pitch is my canvas. Give me a ball, and I’ll give you art.
So I ask you: find something you love, something you’re passionate about. Keep growing in it, because that is a beautiful thing. Don’t hide the gift you were given. It’s meant to be seen by the world.
Impossible is nothing.