Freshman year of high school I was enrolled in my first level of Spanish Class. That teacher taught me a valuable lesson that was not Spanish related, but instead life skills. She noticed I was struggling picking up on the concepts in class and applying it to exams. Between tips and tricks and mnemonic devices, I slowly learned how I can best conquer an unfamiliar field.

About halfway into the semester I stayed after class to reach out and get additional help. My teacher informed me that I needed to start trusting myself. I thought what does she mean…. I do trust myself? Or at least I thought I did. I thought I knew everything there was and already found myself. In reality, how could I know myself at such a young age? In truth I wanted to believe I did, but I was just beginning my ventures into learning who I am and what I stand for as an individual.

What struck me most in this conversation was that she said she saw herself in me. The moment after she said this it clicked. I knew she was not trying to put me down or insult me, but instead instill her wisdom of her past onto me to help further my growth as a person. Not only was she applying the concept of trusting myself in exams, but also in my life outside the classroom.

Even though the years have flown by, her message still stays close to my heart and inspires me. Trusting yourself is a working process. It does not happen overnight, or even after several years. I am still continuing to take risks that I calculate as worthy and putting my foot in the door for opportunities I would never imagine possible. Every year I surprise myself with challenges and risks I choose to endeavor. I am grateful for each risk I have pursued since the outcome is usually worth it. Good or bad, I always learn a lesson I would not have known if I never tried.

The trick I developed is that I must organize and plan my life in a way that works for me. Some goals need baby steps, while others need leaps. I trust in what I do and my intentions. I know am not perfect, I have my flaws just like everyone else, including being a perfectionist. I choose to embrace the qualities that I saw as dragging me down and now view them as imperfections that are in fact useful if looked at in a new perspective.

The word impossible broken down is ‘I'm possible’. Even though the original word is discouraging, when deciphered with a lens it becomes hopeful. Yes, perfection might not be obtainable and this may become frustrating at times. However, one can get close enough to a goal if they set their mind to it by persevering and putting faith into themselves. The key is to never give up no matter how hard the climb is, the view from the top is worth the excursion.

Even though Spanish never fully stuck for me, the life lessons did. So thank you Ms. Rowe for not only being an educator, but a role model to me as well.