Quincey Epley.

I’ve been told I have lived many lives in my 22 years. I was raised Mormon, and I was a true believer until high school. Leaving the church when I was 15 sent me on a path of reflection and self-discovery that many do not face until their adult years. I had to look critically at my past to separate my beliefs and values from the church’s. I had judged and alienated others in pursuit of holiness, and I knew that was not how I wanted to live my life anymore. 

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I was also trying to find my place in high school. I took an elective photography class, and I enjoyed it and excelled. The journalism adviser begged me to join the school newspaper staff, and I was hesitant, but I agreed. That year, I found somewhere I was comfortable and confident and allowed me to express myself in an organized, meaningful way while amplifying others’ voices. I won first place in the state journalism competition my freshman year, and by my senior year, I was the editor-in-chief.  

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When I was 15, I realized I was queer. I honestly thought that homophobia was a generational curse, and young people were more enlightened, but that was not the case. In small town Nebraska, it was not seen as acceptable. I wanted to help others feel less alone in North Platte, so I spent a year working to establish the Gay-Straight Alliance at the school. After the first meeting my senior year, people started calling me slurs, ripping down flyers, and harassing me. The hate got to me and stole my previously outspoken voice. This time was extremely difficult for me to get through, but I could always count on my teachers to be there for me and support me. Because of their kindness, I wanted to be a teacher too, so I could be there for others when they needed me. 

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My first two years of college I studied Deaf education and secondary social studies education, but in June 2021, I experienced a rollover car accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury with lasting symptoms. I did not feel like myself until the two-year mark in recovery, but rather than overcoming my disabilities, I have adapted to thrive alongside them. 

After my car accident, the people there for me were those I worked with at the university library. When I realized I could not continue with my path in secondary education, it was obvious where I belonged.  

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My identity has changed many times, but what has stayed the same is my care and empathy for others, and my need to help others in a meaningful way. Through all the adversity I have faced throughout my life, I have strived to find others going through similar situations and give them support and hope that life will get better if you give it time.