To the teacher who always knew I could do it,
It is now my senior year of college and it feels like eighth grade happened so many years ago (ugh, just writing that made me feel a bit old). I think I remember exactly what I felt for most of that year: anxious. It was my last year before I started high school and I was freaking out over the fact it would be a whole new challenge I would struggle to face.I laugh at that now because that was not true, but for a young, high-strung me that was not the case.
For most of that year, I thought it would be a good idea to do about a hundred different activities and schoolwork. I have to say, that was not very easy.I started to have to do homework later at night and for days when I had too much work, I would have to miss a club meeting.This fed into how easily stressed out I got over having too much work.I thought if this is a struggle in junior high, it would not be any easier in high school.
One day, you noticed that I was clearly overwhelmed with everything that was going on in my life. My stress was so obvious that it could not be ignored. After noticing it, you pulled me aside and asked me if I was ok. I believe I said that everything was far from that (again, I know now that was a clear exaggeration but not for me then). I was freaked out and thought that things would just get harder in high school. However, you told me that was not going to be the case.You reminded me that I accomplished so much in junior high and that I would still be able to do that again in high school.
You know what, you were absolutely right, I could step up to the challenge and succeed. High school did not come stress-free (although that happened because of my own problem with doing too many things) but I was able to see it through. I kept my grades up and stayed involved with about seven or ten (I honestly cannot remember) clubs.
Knowing that I could make it helped to give me that extra push once I got to DePaul University. Initially, I came in as an education major but decided that was not for me.I then decided to switch to a major in public relations.I wondered if I could make it in that field too, but I knew that I could make it if I just tried my best, which is what I did.On top of getting my bachelor’s degree, I was also accepted into a Master’s program to get my graduate degree in journalism.
Thank you for telling me that I would be able to succeed as long as I tried.It inspired me and gave me the confidence I needed to make it.
Sincerely,
The student who does not freak out (well, as much) anymore
