My first day ever at RM in freshman year started by getting stuck doing circles on the third floor, unable to find my homeroom classroom. I was stressed, sweating, and frantic, but too scared to ask anyone for directions and help. I thought I had made the wrong decision in choosing to go to public school in sixth grade, and that there was no way I would succeed in the IB program and in a school as big as RM.
If I could go back in time and talk to freshman-year me, I would tell her to calm down. I would tell her about all of the amazing things she will achieve and all of the lifelong memories she will make, all because she learned to push through being uncomfortable and unsure of herself.
Throughout my years at RM, I learned that my own self-doubt was holding me back. Athletically, I never thought that I would be good enough to be successful at the varsity level. I was nervous to try out for the softball team freshman year, and I really doubted my skills. However, yet again, because I pushed past feeling uncomfortable, I made the varsity team as a freshman and became a part of an amazing community. I started for three years, and made First Team All-Division and All-County, becoming team captain this year and making it to the state semi-finals.
The same self-doubt affected my other extracurricular activities as well, including my position on The Tide. I started writing for the sports section in my junior year and became a sports editor in my senior year. When I started, I had no idea how to write like a journalist, and I almost didn’t respond to any emails with article opportunities. But then, I remembered all of the other times that working past being uncomfortable paid off for me, and I just did my best despite being unsure of myself. Because I did, I once again found a community of wonderful people, and I’ve learned the value of good journalism, but also how to be a leader by working with all of my lovely contributors this year.
Looking back at my four years at RM, I have grown so much as a person just by putting myself out there and doing things that scare me. The biggest piece of advice that I have for any underclassmen is to do the same. Even though you might be like me on my first day, scared and stumbling blindly throughout your high school years, remember that you can do anything you put your mind to, and just keep doing your best.
If you would like to voice your opinion on an issue you feel is relevant to our community, please do so here. Anyone is able and welcome to submit a Letter to the Editor, regardless of journalistic experience or writing skills. Submissions may be published either online or in a print issue.
