I could scream with excitement. 10 subjects, 10 distinctions. It was an emotional and mental challenge like no other, but this feeling makes the huge sacrifices of 2014 seem so trivial. One more semester and I’ll have my LLB!! A little story to share.... when I was 15 years old I posted about an academic award I had received on Facebook. I was so surprised and ecstatic when I opened my school report - I had done better than I hoped and couldnt wait to share the news. The responses from people in comments was pretty brutal - from people who were my age, people in my class and even university student-aged friends, I got mocked and told off in a lengthy string of comments. I immediately deleted the post - embarrassed, confused and hurt. Even months later it got brought up in jest or when someone wanted to take a light-hearted dig at me. Still, I didnt understand why my message had been so firmly deprecated, whereas others were being praised for announcing their sporting achievements or showing off their new cars etc. I stand to be corrected, but I never publicly shared another school achievement - even when I matriculated 2nd in my province, and when I ranked 1st in South Africa at the national debating championships - my achievements made me self-conscious and I felt the need to downplay them in order to gain acceptance. Its 7 years down the road and, of course I have a much better understanding of myself and others. Ive realized that the only way to be accepted is to 100% truly accept yourself - its that whole thing about be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind dont matter, and those who matter dont mind.... but Ive found it really works. So if you’re proud of something you’ve achieved then share it, show it, boast it, shout it out for the whole world to hear and OWN it. If others take exception to that then the fault is their own. Our achievements shape who we are, and nobody should ever be made to feel that they must hide a part of themselves for the benefit of others. Let’s be kind to one another, okay? :) Merry Christmas everyone xx
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 20:54:26 +0000
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