I was always good at reading, analyzing the things that I could see, and always imagining a better future for myself than anyone could ever hand me. I valued education, my body, the way that I was treated and that brought on the names, the bullying, and the extensive desire for other people to tear me down. Well, shout out to my haters over the years because you all were wrong.

An Open Letter to Those who Doubted Me:

To the math teacher in the 6th grade who told the whole class that I got a 42 on a test and made it abundantly clear that I would have to catch up on all the work I missed while out of school because my grandpa died, thank you for telling me I would never graduate high school with an Advanced Regents diploma: because I did it. Also, telling me that life doesn't stop when someone dies was also a nice touch (much appreciated).

To the bullies who told me I would never be skinny enough, never have enough "meat on my bones" to be attractive to anyone, or never have the "right" size breasts, thank you for teaching me that I am so much more than breasts or a butt on a body.

To the people who said I wouldn't enjoy life because I never tried a drug or went to a wild party: thank you. Most of you are young moms and deadbeat dads or still stuck in our hometown trying to get your rap career off the ground, and while I may be in the same town, I am living out the goals I made for myself at 15.

To the guidance counselor who said I should "think a little more small scale": dreams and goals do not have limitations. The only limitations one can have are placed upon them by themselves. I have gotten a diploma, grades, and a degree that my adolescent self only dreamed about.

To the woman at my first job who looked at my tattoo with disgust and told me that I would never get a good job with markings on my body: I am a person, I have gotten plenty of jobs with "markings" and I will continue to work with "markings". They do not spell out my ability as a worker to function, nor do they take away the amazing connection I have with some of my customers today.

And to the people who will doubt me in the future (because it will happen), life has thrown more at me then words of doubt could ever do. So do your best, I've probably heard it and I've probably proved it wrong.

Sincerely,

The Doubted Girl with No Doubts