Dear young me,
I remember that when you were 11 and 12, you were having trouble with math. This is a really hard challenge that you have to overcome. You have all this fear built up that you would sit the whole math class not asking for help because you think that you are stupid or not good enough. When you get into 7th grade, you will have this amazing math teacher, Mr. Jones. He will help you whenever you need help, allow you to improve your grade, help you build your confidence in math, and have one-on-one conversations on what you need help with the most in math. He will help you improve your math skills, and he will help you learn new things. Back then, I wish I knew that it is okay if you ask for help and that you might even help another person even though you’re the one who asked.
You would not believe it when I say that you will come so far and accomplish many things. In 7th grade, you will transfer to a whole new school where you know nobody and they don’t know you. You will make many friends who are now what you call “my people.” You graduate from middle school, and all your hard work will pay off, even though you don’t graduate with your friends from your old school. You still graduated with amazing people and staff! Your math skills definitely improved, and so did your writing skills, and you will take those skills with you to the Daniel Murphy Class of 2028 Summer Bridge. You may be wondering, What is the Daniel Murphy Class of 2028 Summer Bridge? Well, you remember when I said you accomplished many things? This is one of them; you received the Daniel Murphy Scholarship, which will help you when you get to high school and throughout your life. You were also awarded with other scholarships; like I said, all the work paid off. Applying for these scholarships will be hard, but yes, you will overcome those obstacles. For you to get over those obstacles, I encourage you to be confident and determined in yourself. All those letters of recommendation you have to get, all the long essays you have to write, and all the interviews you will attend will all become the missing piece of the puzzle at the end. You are beyond lucky that you were awarded the Daniel Murphy Scholarship, and this will change your life for the better. Trust me.
It may be hard to believe because of what you are going through right now and all of the self-doubt you have built up, but you are so smart and determined, believe me. Your self-doubt is something that will not be easy to deal with, but to deal with it, you need to challenge your negative thoughts and let yourself know that you can do anything. If you can speak with a friend or trusted adult, go right at it, and the best way to deal with it is to remember your past accomplishments and know that you are enough.
When you go into 7th and 8th grade, all you are focused on are your grades and whether or not you’re doing well academically. You never once stopped and cared about your well-being, and you needed to. I am here to tell you that academic validation will break you in so many ways. Yes, your academics matter, but so does your mental health, so prioritize your health as well. What I mean by prioritizing your health and also your mental health is to make sure that you get enough sleep. Sleep is important, and it can result in less stress! You should also hang around the right people who brighten your mood when you’re having a bad day or dealing with self-doubt. I need you to listen to me when I say this; all of this information will help you prioritize your health. Also remember that it is totally okay if you need to take a break when you are doing homework or a big assignment; you deserve to take a break after working hard!
By the end of 8th grade, I realized how school has taught you many life lessons and things that will help you in the future, but you have also created bonds with people. You will be very grateful to have all of your family and friends always support your decisions. Your mom will help you so much during the application process for your scholarships, and words can’t explain how thankful you will be.
So in conclusion, I want my 10- to 13-year-old self to know that it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s always best when you ask for help! Even though 7th grade was a bumpy road because you were new, just remember that things get easier over time. I want my future self to know that life is a process and not everything will come out as expected. You have to work for what you want and strive to reach all of your goals. Whether it’s to get good grades, take better notes, ask for more help, or join a club in high school, etc. Just know that all of your goals matter, and it’s important to reach your goals!
Photo Credits: Adobe Stock by Prazis Images
Noemy Hernandez- Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School- DMSF Class of 2028