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Be the Change

burtov3

In late May of 2021 I posted a photo collage of myself that made headlines across the world. Within five days of posting the photo views and shares grew into the thousands. The photos were of two different times in my life, me in the depths of drug addiction, and me in my graduation garb, a place I hadn’t thought possible for decades. It was exciting to watch the numbers grow on my social media posts. Shares, views, likes, loves, and comments were coming in from all over the world. As the weeks passed, so did the amount of people engaging with my photos. Journalists were contacting me along with thousands of people worldwide. The attention was mind blowing and the experience was quite amazing.





With all of the excitement, I tried my best to stay engaged with what was happening with the posts. I was grateful for each person that took the time to find me and reach out and wanted to give the same respect in return. But, as the days unfolded and the comments and posts grew, it became challenging to respond to each and every person. I spoke with news anchors and a few different shows aired, they quickly gained momentum as well. As attention increased, I began asking myself, why are so many people so impressed with a simple decision to stop destroying my life? Why are so many people amazed at a person's ability to actually recreate who they are? This is something that any of us are able to do, why do people think I am so special.


I have asked people this question and have heard different things. It is hard sometimes to see my choices as special or extraordinary. I do not see myself that way. I only see where I have been and where I want to go. I understand desperation in ways that many don’t and have learned that I can do the hard things it takes to exit destructive circumstances and change my life. The most exciting thing for me is that those who see my story are filled with hope. This is a concept I understand.


There was once a time when I had no hope, but I saw a person I knew achieving things I did not think possible. That is when I knew I could too. I think that is what my photos have done for the world, they have created hope that they too can conquer their own challenges. I am here to say that yes, it is totally possible to make any change you want.


I graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor's degree in political science a few short weeks later. I accomplished a few other things along the way that have helped to solidify my foundation. The photos going viral illuminated my reasons for going to school and have since helped me to share a message with the world that people like me can become anything they choose to be provided they are willing to do what it takes to get there. I don’t care what the world's opinion is, I believe I can change the world.







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Matt White
Matt White
Sep 04, 2022

Had to revisit this one, since the first time I read it, it provided hope but a dastardly thief known as resentment soaked up the hope it provided and left nothing but dust. My journey begins to redeem



the covenant I made with a girl 25 years ago. Commitments to do the hard things, WHATEVER IT TAKES are providing an even flow back into the well of hope. Much respect G. And thank you for sharing the gift of being known... for showing us that 'it' can be done.


Praying for you, the guy you chose, your beautiful extended crew, for your people living outside right now, the mountains that tug at you, and for 'doors to open'.

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