I sit here, 1 month before entering my senior year at The University of Michigan. I sit here, and I think about how I got here. I think about the wrong paths I have taken and I think of the ways that I turned that around. I sit here and I think about the undying support that I have received from my friends and family. But, I also sit here and think of the people who didn’t believe in me. I think of the teachers that told my parents that I was not going to make it far. I sit here, and I laugh.
I sit here, 3 weeks left of my internship at the biggest public relations agency in the world. I think of the incredible people that I have met and the amount that I have learned in these past two months. I think of the lessons that will carry me through my post-graduate career. I think of the world of opportunities that have opened up for me because of the wonderful experience I gained this summer. I sit here, and I laugh.
I sit here, healthier than I have ever been before. I think of the amount of time I spent getting my health under control. I think of the sacrifices that I have had to make and don’t sit with one ounce of regret for a single one of them. I think of how much easier day-to-day life is now compared to three years ago. Three years ago, when I decided to turn my life around. I sit here, and I laugh.
I sit here, happier than I have ever been. I think about the hard work that I have put in and how I have not let anyone or anything stop me from being my best self that I can be. I think of the lifelong friends that I have made in the past 21 years of my life, and I am beyond thankful. I sit here ready to take on the future challenges that this world chooses to throw at me. I sit here, and I laugh.
To the teachers who told my parents that I would not get far in life, I sit here and I laugh at you. I laugh at the misconceptions you have made. I laugh at the quick judgments you have placed. I laugh at the fact that you looked at an 8 year old girl and assumed the path she would lead for the rest of her life. I laugh because you were wrong.
