I worked hard in high school but, not my hardest. I did all my homework and turned it in on time. I studied for my tests but just never did well. I got A's and B's but, I worked for those grades.

I went to a small school and knew all the teachers, but I never really had a relationship with any of them. I felt as if they didn't view me as important as the other students.

I was never the class president or the best athlete. I just wanted to get out of high school and move on to better things. At graduation, I wasn't the one with yellow cords, being recognized for being the top 10% or having a 4.0. I wasn't apart of the National Honor Society or any clubs based on your grades.

Going to college, I finally was recognized.

I have a relationship with almost all of my teachers. They have reached out to me and I have reached out to them. I genuinely feel that they care about my success. They are willing to do anything they can for me to help me succeed.

I did my homework and studied for my tests just like I did in high school and I'm doing so much better because my teachers finally care. I had a very high GPA and was invited to two National Honor Society programs! This was the best I have ever felt. Doing good in college is really important and I'm so excited to finally be recognized for my hard work. I will be on stage at graduation with cords. I'm finally proud of myself.

Don't give up just because you aren't always recognized for your hard work. Keep working hard and one day you will be when it really matters.