Garfield Heights middle schooler Mi’Kiyah Patterson has embarked on an extraordinary journey from despair to empowerment by creating a deeply personal and impactful poetry book centered on mental health.

A Deep Well of Emotions

At just 13 years old, Mi’Kiyah has faced immense challenges. Last year was particularly tough for her, as she struggled with anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder.

“Last year was pretty tough for me, I didn’t think I would make it to like another year,” Patterson told 3News.

Despite these hardships, Mi’Kiyah demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, paving the way for her transformative journey.

The Meeting of a Mind and Soul

Mi’Kiyah’s journey took a significant turn when Salina Sutton, an educator at Garfield Heights Middle School, noticed her exceptional capabilities and potential.

Sutton, who didn’t teach Mi’Kiyah, describes her as someone who was always kind and wise beyond her years.

“The conversations that I had with her were just amazing and so I just felt like she was above her age range when it came to how she thought.”

The Birth of a Dream

Expressing her emotions through poetry became Mi’Kiyah’s outlet, and her passion soon turned into a desire for greater impact. She envisioned her words as a book that could inspire and heal others.

“I told my mom, ‘Hey, I should turn this into a book.’”

Fueled by this dream, Mi’Kiyah sought help from local organizations that could transform her vision into reality.

The Role of Believe in Dreams

Introducing Mi’Kiyah to the non-profit “Believe in Dreams” was a pivotal moment in her life. The organization supports young individuals who have overcome adversity with initiatives aimed at fulfilling their dreams.

Once connected with Mary Beth Hooper, Mi’Kiyah’s dream coordinator, Mi’Kiyah’s poetic journey began taking concrete form.

Translating Emotions into Pages

Hooper and Mi’Kiyah worked closely, with Hooper providing support and encouragement as Mi’Kiyah poured her soul onto the pages of her book.

“Mi’Kiyah already knew exactly what avenue she wanted to take advantage of this opportunity for.”

The result is a 121-page poetry book titled Healing, Not Healed.

A Raw Reflection

Both Sutton and Hooper describe Mi’Kiyah’s book as a raw and authentic portrayal of her experiences and emotions.

“She says everything warts and all.”

Her poems explore a range of feelings—happiness, doubt, and the struggles Mi’Kiyah faced while navigating her daily life.

Embracing Strength

For Mi’Kiyah, the book is much more than a body of work—it symbolizes her healing process and resilience.

“I still have work to do, but I’m healing. I’m almost healed, I’m getting help. I’m doing better. I have people surrounding me. I can talk to people without being scared.”

Moreover, Mi’Kiyah has come to realize her own strength and courage in sharing her story.

The Power of Sharing

Mi’Kiyah’s journey and book inspire hope and unity, offering a platform for other young people to voice their own struggles and seek help.

Her story confirms the adage that sharing our stories can lead to both personal growth and support for others.

A Calling to Action

Those interested in supporting young individuals like Mi’Kiyah can consider nominating a child for the dream fulfillment program through Believe in Dreams.

The book Healing, Not Healed serves as a powerful reminder of the healing power of creativity and community support.

As Mi’Kiyah’s journey demonstrates, unlocking one’s full potential often begins with the courage to share one’s story.