These two young girls were me. But as I grew, so did the recognition that these two aspects of me were in conflict. To fit in, to belong, to be loved, I learned that one was more acceptable than the other. The docile girl, after all, was easier to manage and didn’t make waves. The fierce little girl was “problematic,” said the adults, and needed to be suppressed. That created a divide within myself as one part wasn’t okay. How could I be both? I felt like people - even my family - didn't understand me.