(15, CT, USA) Anonymous - Lifelong Number
In today's world, a person's worth, potential, and future success are all determined by their grades. As a result, one must remain firm. Your future depends on your writing abilities. If you want to succeed academically, you have to become truly driven to write. Being able to achieve what you want is a privilege that isn't guaranteed to everyone, especially to those like us, whose history has been one of struggle.
In an attempt to help me break free from this pattern, my parents taught me advanced subjects. I was overcome with the conceit that I was better than everyone else, that I could be greater than everyone else, and that I was meant to be something big. I received two medals in the 8th-grade award presentation, just like everyone else. My mother had left with me quickly, got in the car, and we drove off—no photos, no celebration. When I asked her how proud she was of me, she said, "I honestly expected you to get more." My heart sank. I had worked hard in middle school to get a head start in high school and to make my mother proud, and that was the response I received.
When I entered high school, I was filled with big goals: "I am going to become valedictorian!" I genuinely believed I had the willpower to prove myself. During my sisters' graduations, my mother had pointed at the people on the stage and said, "I better see you up there during your time." This was my time to shine!
Long story short, freshman year went badly. It started off with a low GPA, no service hours, no awards, and not much of a positive impact overall. I felt guilty knowing I had the chance to try and didn't take it. I gambled it away by messing up. I felt ashamed of how I had performed, and my mother was disappointed. I wasn’t better than everyone else. In fact, I was lower than my peers. I finally came to the realization that I was only what I couldn’t be. I would never be like my sisters.
But at the end of the day, I realized I had fun during that year. I made many friends and memories, and I don’t regret a second of it. If it meant my fate would be the same, I would do it all over again. I figured I was going to own up to my actions and make it up.
But you should always prioritize yourself above all else. To hell with academic achievement if it means losing who you are. Please, don’t let numbers define you.
