I made a promise to a professor when I was in college that I would find a way to give back within five years after I graduated.

He made us all pick a cause that was important to us. I said I wanted to help other people struggling with alopecia gain the self confidence it takes to accept its role in their lives.

It's been almost eight years since I graduated from college, and I haven't done anything. But I realized I'm not really in a position to help anyone until I can full come to terms with everything I've been through.

I mean I'm OK with accepting this will be a part of my life for the rest of my life, and I'm comfortable with people knowing about it, but I've never taken the opportunity to reflect on how certain events unfolded and the role they've played in my ordeal.

So I started writing. I started writing about the day I found my first bald spot. It's actually kind of cool because it's brought up a lot of memories that don't seem so painful anymore.

I don't know what I plan to do when I'm finished writing, but it's nice to have a project.