Dear Younger Me,
Trying to navigate school is like trying to surf the waves. It’s not just about getting good grades, but also learning how to handle the feedback. There were many times I wanted to cry when the teacher told us there was room for improvement. It felt like the end of the world every time and I took the criticism so personally that it was kind of destructive to us. Instead, we should celebrate our successes, achievements, and accomplishments and focus on the room for growth. You don’t have to be perfect or always be the best. Appreciate your own strengths and weaknesses because those things are all a part of you. I get that now, but it took some tough lessons to figure it out.
School’s always been important to me. Who doesn’t want to do well, right? But sometimes, when teachers said things like “room for growth,” it felt like they were saying I wasn’t good enough. It stung and I took those words to heart by the way I’d get all teary-eyed, feeling like I let everyone down, especially myself.
One time, I remember when a teacher talked to my mom about how I could improve. It wasn’t that I was doing badly, it was just that I could do even better. But hearing those words felt like a punch in the gut. I wanted to prove myself so badly that any hint of criticism hit hard.
Despite those tough moments, I did exceptionally well in school. I got excellent grades and often reached the top of the class. It wasn’t always easy, though. As I was growing up, I had to remind myself that making mistakes and hearing criticism were all part of learning and growing.
Looking back, I realize those moments when I felt like crying were opportunities to listen, consider, and learn from that feedback. It wasn’t just about acing tests; it was about building resilience and character. Resilience means being able to keep trying even when things don’t go your way and using criticism as a way to improve and learn from your mistakes.
Now that I’m older, I see that school wasn’t just about studying and grades. It was about becoming a stronger person, too. The ups and downs taught me how to handle challenges and setbacks with even more confidence than before. I learned that true success isn’t just about getting everything right the first time; it’s about learning from the times you don’t.
So, to my younger self who sometimes feels like crying when things get tough, remember this: you’re not alone. School can be like a roller coaster, but every twist and turn is teaching you something. Embrace the challenges, learn from the feedback, and keep pushing forward. Because in the end, it’s not just about being brilliant in school; it’s about becoming a stronger, wiser person along the way.
Remember, these years will be your best, never stop growing.
Best Regards,
Your older self.
Bradley Young – Stevenson HS – DMSF Class of 2028
Photo by Bradley Young