By definition, average means "being typical, common and ordinary".

This may seem obvious, but what does that really mean, and what does it apply to?

All I know is that average has become less of a standard and more of a level of insufficiency.

I went to a private, college-prep high school and always seemed to feel less-than my peers.

As I sat among my classmates, I knew I was surrounded by future doctors, peace-makers and world-changers, and I felt so out of their league.

So I learned to accept it, and did what I was good at.

I was good at being a friend.

I was good at being a classmate.

And sometimes, when I needed to be, I was good at being the class clown.

I made unforgettable memories and strong friendships because I saw that what was once my downfalls, were really opportunities to grow at what I am best at.

I focused on not what I was average at, but what I thrived at.

So, I chose relationships instead of academics, to my parents discontent sometimes.

But even though I knew I was being meaningful and purposeful, it can be a blow to my confidence to look back and see that I couldn't be more than average in other areas.

I couldn't be more than an average student.

I couldn't be more than an average athlete.

And that can make me feel as if I am just an average person.

It wasn't until the end of my junior year of high school when I started to embrace my insecurity.

I had this math teacher who knew I struggled with the basics of pre-calculus. He stayed at lunch to help me, and became a close confidant who talked me down off of several ledges.

He was the one I went to first when thinking of running for ASB Vice President. I told him that yes, I would have a lot of people in my corner, but my GPA is just average. My resume is average. And I am average.

He looked at me with his kind and wisdom-filled eyes and told me, "So am I".

I quickly tried to respond with a million reasons why he was anything but that, but he stopped me mid-sentence.

He stated, "The most successful and personable people are those who are average".

In that moment, a sense of relief hit me.

It had finally clicked.

Yes, my academics were hard and I have to work twice as much than my peers for the grades I have.

And yes, I have no future as a swimmer or water polo player because the truth is I had already peaked a few years earlier.

But this is okay.

Because I am more than my shortcomings.

That year I did run for VP, and in my speech I told the whole school about my conversation with my math teacher. I spoke to the crowd about how I am an average student, but some of the best people are.

I told them that in all of my faults and weaknesses, my faith in them is unwavering.

My love for them is unconditional.

And I will be their champions and biggest fans wherever they are in life.

This is what I am more than average at, and it makes up for all that I lack.

I did not win that year, but I think because of all that I said to my friends that day, they saw me in a new light.

And I like to think that is when I started to see myself in a new light as well.

My biggest hope is that you see your own weaknesses and acknowledge them.

Because your strengths and weaknesses are just two sides of the same coin.

What you lack in, you make up for in other areas.

So accept your shortcomings and celebrate the things that make you shine.

Because you all shine. Every single one of you.