I wish I could walk out the door not caring about how terrible my eyeliner is compared to the next girl. I wish I could command attention in a room and keep the conversation going. I wish I was confident.

If I could give myself and others who struggle with self-confidence a speech, there are plenty of things I could and would say. However, because I struggle with the ability to command a room, it has to be written out in article form.

I would say that, even if you only say one word in class, be proud that you said something and contributed. If you write an article or a paper and you love what you wrote, but others hate it, be happy that you love your paper because Edgar Allen Poe's work was not appreciated while he was alive, and now he is a legend in the literary world.

If you address an issue you are passionate about, and no one else reciprocates such passion, be confident. You will change the world because you are taking a stand, which no one else will try and do.

Even if you end up leaving your dorm with your makeup half done and your hair is a mess, be happy. The fact that you went to class like that is an accomplishment. If you have to step outside of class because the pressure is on, do it. It is better to breathe for a moment than to sit in class struggling to think.

I would say, be yourself. There is only one of you, and that is pure beauty in itself.

I would say that, I know it is hard trying to have a voice and trying to be open, but your efforts are working because it is hard for me to not say something silly as it pops into my head, and it is harder to repair friendships hurt by such comments.

I would comfort myself, and make myself feel happy that I am alone, and that I do not belong to a specific group of friends. I understand the struggle to feeling a sense of belonging, even though it is hard to make friends at the level of schooling we are at.

I would end the speech with a hug, a fist bump, anything to make myself smile because I know by the end of this letter I would be bawling my eyes out.

Would this letter or pep talk help me? Maybe and maybe not. It is hard though when you see the next person being able to be level headed, not worry and seemingly have a higher level of self-confidence, but then I step out into the world and I find that I cannot replicate that same level-headed persona. I will stutter when I talk or go off on tangents. I will say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Basically, my worst fears are brought to life.

However, I will also write a pretty good article, as well as when I can speak my words, I am able to bring perspective and new insight.

Maybe the letter did work after all.