(19, GA, USA) Anonymous - Seat At The Table

All my life, I felt like I struggled with fitting in. I had best friends, but I felt like I was never anyone else's best friend. I was always present but never felt like I truly belonged. I was the girl who floated on the periphery of every group, visible but never integrated. I always excelled academically, hoping that my achievements would earn me recognition and a sense of belonging, something I could bring to the table. I joined every club and volunteered for every project, trying to carve out my space. I was always put at the end of the table—invited but often left out, never in the conversation. I watched others form bonds that seemed effortless while I struggled to find my place. I was overwhelmed and overstressed as my efforts were never enough.

That was until I met her. A certain teacher, for this story, I will just call her Mrs. Smith, noticed. She noticed my unique qualities and helped me understand that I didn’t need to fit into molds that weren’t meant for me. She offered me a different type of seat at the table. I sat where I mattered and could fill the table with other students who felt like they didn’t fit in. I started a club, a club meant for all. A club where everyone could find their place. Everyone deserves a seat at the table, not by changing themselves to fit in but by recognizing their own worth and the value they bring.