“You were created to love and be loved.  You were meant to live life in relationship with other people, to know and be known. You need to know that your story is important and that you're part of a bigger story.  You need to know that your life matters...” This starts the vision statement of an organization called “To Write Love On Her Arms”. The organization was made to raise awareness for teen suicide, addiction, depression, and self harm.

It started the night the founding member Jamie Tworkowski found 19 year old Renee, sleep deprived, and intoxicated with cocaine, pills, and alcohol. Upon meeting her, he also saw that she had harmed herself, using a razor to cut lines into her skin. Upon her forearm, profanities of depression and hate were permanently etched onto her skin. They took her away, trying to get her admitted to a detox center, but they turned her away. In an act of love, Jamie and other friends that lived with him took her in for the next five days, permanently changing her life. After becoming her personal hospital, getting the drugs out of her system, and teaching her that what was written on her arm was a lie, she was a different person. She learned to love, and in the end, it saved her life. From there, the movement spun out of control, and they started spreading the word all over the world—the love movement.

Today at Dunnellon High School, students showed support for the organization by literally writing “Love” on their arms. Love was written down forearms, across knuckles, on wrists, and was often accompanied by hearts. The day started on Facebook, many getting event invitations for the day with included information, and from there the day seemed to explode onto statuses, and even became a trending topic on Twitter.

Senior Mayra Lorenzo spoke out to the people that are experiencing depression and other such things the organization speaks out on, “Never lose heart. There are always people to support you, and down the road you’ll see that it’s all worth it in the end. We’re here for you. The grass is always greener on the other side.”   Steven Delgado (Curly hair) also had words of encouragement, “To those people… I’m really sorry it’s happening to you. Keep your head up. Every cloud has its silver lining.”

The support from Dunnellon High School did not stop with students, but spread on to the facility and staff as well. Mrs. Murphy was seen with “Love” written across her knuckles and wrist, spreading awareness. “I feel that the organization is much needed in the world today with so many issues we’re facing. We need love today in the world… that’s what we need,” said Murphy. 

Ironically, assistant principal Mrs. Love had many positive things to say as well after being informed of the program. “People need to be aware. I don’t think people understand how hard, or emotional it is to deal with the issues teenagers face,” said Love.

With so much love and support from Dunnellon students and staff, it’s no wonder that things are put in motion to become a better school. “To Write Love On Her Arms” day followed a day in the previous week where students were encouraged to wear purple to support six teens that committed suicide because of bullying for being openly gay. The turnout was amazing, filling the halls with purple shirts, some even homemade. With a “Peace Begins With Me” week, and an “If You Really Knew Me” day being planned, awareness and support have reached a new height, and students are actively becoming more interested to ask “Why?” rather than judging others.

In the words of Jamie Tworkwski himself, “We are only asked to love, to offer hope to the many hopeless. We don't get to choose all the endings, but we are asked to play the rescuers. We won't solve all mysteries and our hearts will certainly break in such a vulnerable life, but it is the best way. We were made to be lovers bold in broken places, pouring ourselves out again and again until we're called home.”

For more information, please visit www.twloha.com.

Also, coming later in the year is another day for students to participate in, called "Day of Silence.", a day to stand up for those who can't stand for themselves. "It has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression" says the Day of Silence website. Check Tiger Times often for more news about the upcoming day.