There are four people, or groups, I have been meaning to thank for years. I continue to learn from you, and thank you for helping me get this far.
The Popular Boy with the Blonde Highlights:
You probably don’t remember much about me, other than the fact that I was the awkward girl who liked to read during recess instead of play games. You teased me about it, but it made me feel good that you noticed. Not only were you the most popular boy on the playground, you knew how to be nice to people. You didn’t always act on that knowledge, but you did know. One of my favorite memories of elementary school was going out to play “basketball” with the boy who had muscular dystrophy, only to find that you had taken my place. I was not angry, because I could see the joy on that boy’s face, the boy who idolized you, the boy who wanted to play basketball because you played basketball, but was stuck in a wheelchair that made it impossible for him to play with you and your friends. You took the time to smile, laugh, listen, and play with the boy who wanted nothing more than your friendship. Thank you for showing such genuine kindness.
The Mean Girls:
You didn’t all hit me at the same time. Two of you were mean for the first three years of school, two for the last two years, and one that lasted all five years, but you all taught me much about myself and other people. You made fun of my height, the way I dressed, the people I made friends with, and how much I liked school. You found ways to hurt me I didn’t know existed, that is, until I realized you didn’t really have the power to hurt me unless I gave you permission to do so. You made me feel inferior, until I learned to stand tall. You made me feel stupid, until I put my mind to better things. You made me feel weak, but doing that made me stronger. I passed by the worst of you in the hall not long ago. You were wearing two pounds of makeup and a skimpy outfit, making a face you must have thought was attractive, desperately trying to get the attention of the boy next to you. And I realize you showed me I am smart, strong, and beautiful, which is the best lesson anyone has ever taught me. Thank you.
The Twins:
We spent a total of three hours together, and one of them was washing the mud off of our clothes. When I slid, you didn’t walk past me like the others. You jumped in and slid with me, and carefully pulled us all out. You carried me to the nurse to check my twisted ankle, and made jokes with me until the tears of pain and embarrassment turned to laughter. You showed me that all my previous conceptions of you were wrong, and you taught me that there is always another side to the story. Thank you for giving me perspective.
The Teacher who gave me my first (and only) detention:
At 4’9”, you terrified me from the start. You were a powerhouse, not afraid of the students towering over you. There was nothing you couldn’t do, and we watched in awe as you taught standing on desktops, shouting enthusiastically. I was the teacher’s pet in every class before you, and it was a shock to receive that detention slip for having missed one too many homework assignments that week. You taught me two things. Every action has a consequence, and you can’t always twist them to your own advantage. I was used to getting my way, and you ensured I didn’t go into middle school thinking that was how the world worked. You also taught me to have confidence, no matter how big you are or what you look like. I was teased for being 5’2” at 10 years old, but you were teased for being 4’9” as an adult. You still stood tall with pride, and you didn’t let anyone take that away from you. The strength you had didn’t come from the validation of others, it came from your personal experience and inner power. Thank you for teaching me responsibility, pride, and confidence.
