At 6:45 a.m., Lindsey’s alarm buzzed. She stretched, grabbed her phone, and scrolled for a few minutes—mostly art, music, and college updates. After brushing her teeth and tying her curls into a bun, she washed her face and whispered to the mirror, “You’ve got this.”

She pulled on leggings, a hoodie, and her worn-out sneakers. In the kitchen, she made avocado toast and tea, handed her sleepy little brother a granola bar, and slung her backpack over one shoulder.

At 7:45, she smiled at her reflection by the door. A new day. Almost done with high school. Almost ready for what’s next.