Hey girl, I know it’s scary right now because high school is a big step in your life but it’ll be alright. Don’t be so hard on yourself, it’s ok. You don’t have to be perfect in everything you do, I’m still struggling with that now but trust that everything will work out. You’ll meet new people and you’ll realize that some people are not in your best interest. You’ll realize that being popular is not important in high school, trust me. People are not going to like you, some will have reasons and some just won’t like you for no reason. It’s all a part of life. You don’t have to please everyone, just be true to yourself. Although your first year is virtual when you go back in person to school, it’s going to be a whole different ballpark. There’s gonna be different teachers, different schoolwork, and just all around a different environment than what you are used to, but that’s OK because you’re going to get through. Freshman year is one of the most intimidating years in high school. It’s not going to be a walk in the park, it will be full of obstacles and as long as you stay organized and try to do your best because that’s all you can do is try. You don’t have to fit in, it’s ok to be alone and with your close friends. The next 3 years of high school will be a challenge and it will test you. You will have to make sacrifices and decisions that you might not want to make, but it’s for the better. You’ll experience heartbreak and waves of different emotions but it shapes you into the person you want to become. I know I’m speaking as if I am the person you want to become but the truth is, we are still working to become that person and that’s ok. Girl, We became the homecoming queen, and it still surprises me. We actually did that! We even started our club. Yes, we started our own club called empowHER! We have members who actually want to join our club, and they love our club! There is so much I want to say but I have to keep it short and sweet. You’re beautiful inside and out, don’t let anyone dim your light. You’ve accomplished so much and come so far. It only gets better girl! Keep going and growing. Life is full of challenges, life is a life lesson. No one ever truly understands life and all the aspects of it, so we just live our life to the fullest and enjoy the little and big moments because that shapes us into the person we become later on. No one will ever know your journey like you, so you have to embrace it, not shy away from it! It is currently a month from graduation and firstly I would like to apologize. I’m sorry for putting you last and everyone first. I’m sorry for always driving for nonexistent perfection in everything we do. I’m sorry for not giving you the love you deserve. But overall I’m happy to see who we’ve become. I’m glad we overcame the struggles of high school. I’m glad we’ve made it this far and will go even further. I’m glad that we’ve started to step out of our comfort zone and find ourselves. I’m glad we saw it through to the end. I’m glad we didn’t give up. It took a lot for us to get to this point and I’m forever grateful for you shaping me into the person I am today. Keep going Ja’Niyah, it will pay off and it will get better. I love you, and continue to do your best in everything you do, you got this!
The Myers Park High School Newspaper
