Foo describes the suicidal ideation she experienced in her teen years and considers some of the factors that helped her to stay alive. As a teen, she has two close friends, Dustin and Kathy, whom she believes will suffer emotional harm as a result of her death. Even more importantly, she has found a sense of purpose in journalism. She begins writing for the school newspaper in junior year, and in her senior year she is promoted to editor in chief. She dedicates herself relentlessly to the job, working harder and longer than others, and the responsibility of writing becomes a reason for her to wake up in the morning. Journalism helps structure her thoughts and gives her life a rhythm during weekdays. On weekends, Foo struggles to find things to do, often succumbing to her depression.

Despite having a low GPA, Foo’s excellent performance as editor in chief earns her acceptance to the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her father does not attend her graduation ceremony, and she does not cry at his absence. Instead, Foo realizes that she has survived solely through her own hard work.