My name is Harley Spare, daughter of Gwen and Edward Spare, the fourth sibling in a family of four kids. I am a 24-year-old student, currently studying at the University of Cape Town. I was born in Durban. I study Psychology and I am very passionate about it.

My love for Psychology started at the young age of 12 years. My friend was going through the most painful time. She was a victim of physical abuse, inflicted by her own parents. She was not exactly the talkative type. I do not know why she chose to trust me, but one day she opened up to me about life at her home. I was very heartbroken and so I told my parents about this. She got help and is now at university, studying law. She says she wants to help victims like her.

Her story motivated me to want to help more people. I have since learned that I am a very good listener. My personality and studies are helping me to help others deal with traumatic experiences and to overcome their nightmares. I want to help them see the light at the end of the tunnel. I want to help them regain their confidence and see a world full of possibilities.

I remember a time when a classmate of mine asked me to help a friend of hers who was going through depression. People with depression need patience, compassion and love. Depression isolates a person and is an illness. I understood this and did my best to help. When everyone else thought that this person was moody, I understood what was going through her thoughts. Sometimes, all it takes is someone who will listen without judging. I became that person.

Even when we lost our youngest brother in a horrific accident, shaken as I was, I knew that I needed to be there for my siblings. The loss was a heavy weight, especially to his twin, my younger sister. I am glad I understood this and I was there for her. Today when she smiles, I know I did something right.

Doctors help us heal physically. Pastors help us to heal spiritually but psychologists are of great importance too. They are not celebrated enough. I believe they are everyday heroes.

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