Have you ever felt like you weren't good enough, smart enough, or even capable of being like those smart kids in your grade? Well, I've been that person to have those thoughts run across my mind a few times when I was younger. The school was not a big deal to me throughout the elementary and middle school.

As I grew older I saw how my attitude affected my grades; it started taking a toll on me. These thoughts made me feel insecure, unintelligent, and unsuccessful. All of these thoughts and feelings ended within a year of realizing I am capable of doing anything. But, I had a goal I wanted to reach, and it was to become a student who had faith in themselves.

Furthermore, throughout middle school, I was a student who was placed in an extra math class. Having that class made me feel singled out, and made me feel like I was not good enough.

My focus was not mainly on school during my 6th and 7th-grade year; it was on being a cool kid and trying to fit in. I was jealous of those kids in my grade who received awards for academic excellence, and then there was me who received nothing. Having this doubt of myself gave me no hope for success. Entering my 8th-grade year is when everything changed.

For some, 8th grade is your final year as a child and being spoon-fed by your teachers.

I was still in the extra math class, and I realized it was actually leading me ahead of others taking just one math class.

I started being active in class and allowing myself to try without asking for help.

There was one teacher who truly gave me hope in myself; her name was Mrs.Gilley.

She gave me that extra attention; she told me I was capable of succeeding and doing great things.

So, I stuck to the words of encouragement Mrs.Gilley had given me.

Also, I had a math teacher during 8th grade who came to be a bit encouraging; he invested his time into teaching and

making sure every student knew how to do the problem instead of asking him a million questions.

He taught step by step, and if you did not understand it he would re-explain it again and again in a much easier way. I have never been so close to exceeding on the math section on the CRCT, until my 8th-grade year. I was 10 points away, and you should have seen the excitement on my face.

I've never felt more proud of myself until then. Suddenly, the 8th-grade year came to an end, and I was not ready for high school and losing the math teacher and Mrs. Gilley encouraging me on a daily basis.

I received an honorable award that gave me the encouragement and the hope that I was ready for high school.

The award was "Most Improved 8th Grader."

It started, in the year of 2014 of August. I was a freshman: scared, frustrated, and mainly curious if receiving that

the award was still hope for me.

Well, I think I still had that hope after all, and it lasted from August 2014 until now at the beginning of my senior year. I see a dramatic change in myself and my academics.

My freshman year I had all A's, and I've NEVER had all A's throughout elementary and up to my 8th-grade year.

Since freshman year, I've been a straight "A" student.

I've received many honorable awards for my academic excellence. I've received the highest average in Physical Science for three semesters straight, the highest average in Spanish I, the highest average in Digital Design, and the highest average in Earth systems as well. Being honored by these awards, I've gained self-confidence in myself.

In conclusion, feeling like you weren't good enough, smart enough, or even capable of being like

those smart kids in your grade feel horrible.

Becoming a student who did not focus on the right things, such as academics, to becoming a student who cares a whole lot more has made such an impact on my life.

This is the personal goal I've reached. Learning how to believe in myself, learning how to focus, and learning how to achieve things through my education has made me more successful. I can finally say I've reached my goal.