Hello,

It has been a long time since we've talked. I've grown, graduated, and now I will soon graduate again. Yet, I am so different than who I once was and I am happy with that person. I have found passion in writing, a subject I once shied away from. However, writing isn't merely a subject; writing is an escape, a creative pathway to living your own world within society. I cannot believe I allow myself to neglect my passion for so long because of the insecurities that I let others define my character, especially you.

Beginning in elementary school, I miraculously tested into Advanced Language Arts. I didn't ask for this, I didn't purposely test into it; my test scores simply led to this placement. This placement into your class, which soon became the bane of my existence.

In all honestly, I've always struggled with confidence issues -- those constant thoughts of not being smart enough, pretty enough, or good enough. Your kind wording of discouragement seemed to reinforce these ideals making them become more realistic.

I was placed in your class and reminded every day that I was just another student, not from the gifted program, that didn't deserve to be there. I tried so hard, I stayed up late working on assignments, and I even tried to make you laugh in class. Still, it proved impossible and I felt so shameful for not understanding the symbolism of the hibiscus plant in "Tuesdays with Morrie."

It was dreadful, and soon that became the same opinion I held for writing. For the rest of my years in school, I avoided intense writing classes and despised the pieces of literature I was assigned each class. Despite the cheerful teachers to follow your great reputation and decent books, I truly lost interest in writing and reading. Classic pieces of literature, like "The Outsiders" and "Brave New World," I've reread and loved the tales.

Well, look at me now. Now, I am writing for Odyssey. A publication where the people are amazing and our community is thriving. I write about issues that truly matter, and I feel as though I'm making a small impact. I am so blessed that I finally embraced my passion and have been encouraged by so many inspirations along the way. Never again will I feel guilty for not being the brightest child prodigy in the classroom.

And yes, while I've written this letter to you, this is also for the people that have been torn down. The people that have been told they can't because, believe me, you can. You can do anything you truly love if you are willing to fight past the barriers that outsiders place in front of you.

How do I know?

I did. I finally broke past the barriers, I allowed for some callous person to tear down my confidence rather that help my education flourish. Now, I am a writer. I will continue to write. I am a reader, as I will continue to read. And I am an inspirer, understanding the struggles others endure and pushing them to conquer their fears. As I did with you. I guess in a sense, thank you. I've managed to get here somehow, and I am doing pretty well.

Sincerely,

The student who you thought would fail