A letter like this can never be dedicated to just one person. There are always people who want to see you fail-- friends, coworkers, family. The list could go on and on. I never wanted you to get to me, but sometimes all the attacks seemed too much. But, I've become stronger than ever before. That's the only thing I could thank you for. I can thank you for allowing me to realize I am tough, and I will not be easily thrown around. You may try to, but you won't phase me.

To the kids in elementary school who made me feel like an outsider. I know we were all different from each other, but I didn't deserve the comments. I know I wore glasses and was a tomboy, but I was also still figuring life out. I just wanted to fit in, and I did when I acted like everyone else. You won that time. You got to see me fail at being myself. You convinced me I needed to change to be liked. I went along with that for way too long. For awhile I believed my lie. I thought I was finding the real me, not just hiding away. But, I grew tired of it. I finally stood up to you in the best way possible, by unleashing the real me. Thank you for teaching me how to stand up for myself. I learned all my thoughts, feelings, and quirks mattered--- not only to me, but to those who really loved and supported me.

To my middle school friends who decided to ditch me completely. I know we were at the age where we all wanted to do our own thing, but why didn't you support me in what I wanted to do? You all wanted to see me fall flat on my face. For awhile I thought I would. I was way over my head trying something new, and I had no support to help me get through it. You pushed me to my breaking point, and I decided I was going to prove you wrong. I worked my butt off and accomplished my goals. I know you all hated that. You all never hid that well. But, thank you for teaching me that I can do anything I want to with enough work. No dream is too big, even when your "friends" leave you and you have to figure everything out by yourself.

Finally, to the girl who won't stop trying to get me to fail. I get that you don't really like me, but does that mean we need to stoop down to acting like children? I know you are mad that I got something you wanted. I know we both worked hard for it, but I couldn't change the outcome. Ever since then, you won't stop trying to tear me to pieces. You talk about me behind my back and get defensive every time we have to talk. You make me want to cry and throw the towel in.

I was going to let you win, but I knew I was better than that. I had lived my whole life with people who wanted to see me fall. I was not going to let you succeed at my humiliation. I grew a tough skin and did all my work with a smile. I never let your words penetrate my mind. You taught me how to be a strong women who can be proud of all her accomplishments. So, thank you for once.

I know there will always be more people like you in my life, but I'm ready to face you. Every person who has tried to break me before has taught me all I need to know. I've got my battle armor on so bring it and watch me knock down every single one of your attempts.