Finding My Way

Finding My Way is a powerful coming-of-age novel about Matt, a young man entering college who embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery. At the beginning of the story, Matt appears to have his life together: he’s starting his freshman year, has a girlfriend, and is excited about his future. However, things take a dramatic turn when Matt begins to develop romantic feelings for his college roommate, Jake. These feelings stir an internal conflict, forcing Matt to confront the reality that he is gay—something he has long suppressed.

Matt struggles with his identity, torn between the life he thought he wanted and the one he's discovering for himself. After an intimate confession to Jake, the two begin a secret relationship. Matt is still dating Sarah, his high school girlfriend, but soon realizes he can no longer live a double life. The heart-wrenching breakup with Sarah leaves him shattered, yet it’s a necessary step in accepting who he truly is.

Things take an even more devastating turn when Matt comes out to his parents. His mother reacts with shock but tries to be supportive, while his father outright rejects him, telling Matt to leave and never return. Heartbroken, Matt spirals into a deep depression, turning to drugs to numb the pain. His struggle culminates in a suicide attempt, but thanks to Jake’s intervention, Matt is hospitalized and begins his journey of recovery.

Upon being released, Matt leans on Jake and his friends, who become his chosen family, offering him the love and support he craves but never received from his father. Over time, Matt learns that family isn’t always about blood—it’s about the people who love you unconditionally. Jake, along with a close circle of friends, provides Matt with the strength he needs to rebuild his life.

As Matt recovers, he grows into a more self-assured and confident person. He reconnects with his mother, though his relationship with his father remains strained. With Jake’s unwavering support, Matt finishes college, and the two decide to move in together. Eventually, Jake proposes, and they plan a small, intimate wedding surrounded by their friends—their chosen family.

The novel concludes with Matt finally coming to terms with his past and accepting that, despite his father’s rejection, he is worthy of love. With his husband Jake and a supportive community by his side, Matt finds peace in the life he’s built. He understands that love, in all its forms, is what defines family, and that the relationships he has formed are more than enough to fill his heart.

Finding My Way is a heartfelt exploration of identity, love, and resilience. It dives deep into the challenges of coming out, the pain of rejection, and the healing power of chosen family. At its core, the novel tells a story of growth, self-acceptance, and the realization that true family is defined not by blood, but by unconditional love.