Name-Calling- a Confidence Booster

I'm not a fan of name-calling. I despise it with a passion. Who are you to think you know my story? However, this past week I was called two different names all in the matter of an hour. And it was all by one individual...a woman I respect greatly. It gave me such an enormous boost and my confidence went through the roof.

I was sitting in my English class about 10 minutes early this past Thursday. I was reading, as is my habit. My professor walked in and made a joke about seeing who the eager students were. I laughed and she said "You're laughing. Have you not been called an overachiever yet today?" (This is a 9:20 am class.) Overachiever? Oh wow! Then, she proceeds to say, "You worry so much about your performance, but you shouldn't!" *jaw hits floor* She took my breath away. 

I've worked hard for my right to sit in this classroom. I've busted my butt to be in the seat. Am I an overachiever? Quite possibly. I do worry about my performance in a space where performance counts. After all this time, when this semester ends, I will have accomplished something I never thought possible...I will end this semester with a 4.0 GPA. After all the struggles I've had with the various classes on this campus, I've found my way!

Then, class began. We were to write a take-home quiz on the topic she had given us on Tuesday. My topic was to prove that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a sexist book. I almost cried when she gave me the topic. This is one of my favorite stories! I had decided that I didn't need the grade (which I didn't) so I wasn't going to turn it in. Of course, who does the good doctor call on first? That's right...me! So, I explained how it was hard for me and how I worked hard to find the flaws that I prayed wouldn't be there. She told me that I really had some good points and she was enjoying my struggle because that means that I'm growing. When I told her that I had this epiphany, she laughed and said "Congratulations! You are now a true English major!" Again, I almost cried! It's true! I'm an English major and I've been baptized by a woman I consider to be one of the best. 

Two names were used by one person whom I admire. In the time it took for her to teach us, she blessed me in a way that she may never fully understand. 

I love it when readers read my blogs, books, etc., and tell me the parts they fell in love with. It means I'm doing something right. I love it, too, when the readers get frustrated and upset because, again, I'm doing something right. Then, to have this woman, a professor who I aspire to emulate someday, tell me I have what it takes to succeed...I'm doing something right!

Yes, You Can!

The other day I posted a blog about the day you became the person you are now. I had something happen this morning that made me realize exactly where I am going! And trust me, it was a bit of a revelation *G*

How many times in your life have you been told that you can't do something? Not the kind of "NO!" that is for your own safety, but the kind where someone doesn't believe you are smart enough, strong enough, or simply enough. I've encountered this more times than I care to count.

I was sent this last night. If you know me, you'll know that my faith is a mishmash of a lot of various faiths. However, this one spoke to my heart to the point that I was beyond words. 

When I wanted to be a veterinarian, I was told I couldn't because a) there wasn't enough money for college (financial aid wasn't what it is now) and b) my heart was too soft. When I wanted to be a nanny, I was told that I'd never be able to be too far from my family. (That one was sort of true!) When I decided maybe I'd give college a try, I was told that I wasn't ready. I had too many things on my plate and I'd fail. When I actually did start college, I was told that I'd never follow through. I was told that an English degree was a waste of money and I'd never be able to find a decent job. When I wrote, I was told I'd never continue. (I will someday, but right now, it just isn't the right time.) And this morning, I was told that it was interesting that I was still pursuing an English major because I was neither a good writer nor a strong one. 

Well, guess what? I am still here. I'm on the downhill slide to a number I'm not comfortable admitting just yet, but I'm not giving up! I'm still busting my ass and I WILL succeed! I'm a good writer. I'm a strong writer. I'm intelligent and I will accomplish the things I want in this life! I can only get better with all the incredible people who are teaching me, showing me, and guiding me. And guess what? I don't need your approval!

And neither do you! If I can do this, you can, too. Get out there and make your dreams come true! I'll believe in you, if you need me to!