Most of my childhood memories involve sports.
In middle & high school-
I earned awards in multiple sports.
In addition to academics.
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Acknowledgement of my athletic abilities
Earned me on spot a Div 1 college team.
My first childhood dream, realized.
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However, there's 1 award that stands out to me
Above the rest, though it sounds silly
And went seemingly unrecognized.
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In high school, our peers voted on class superlatives.
Naturally, I assumed mine would be athletic-based,
But when they were announced,
I flipped to the back of the yearbook to see:
BEST PERSONALITY.
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What I took away from that moment,
And several conversations in the passing weeks,
Was that I was seen for more than just my utility.
I was not a stereotypical jock,
I wasn't the mean girl,
Nor was I the valedictorian.
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I've read we are our true selves in high school,
And if that's true-
I believe that I was recognized
For my ability to cross-pollinate,
To be kind and fun and inclusive,
And to not take myself so seriously,
All of which is still true to this day.
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So remember that even the most trivial things
Can carry weight far beyond what you expect.
It's all comes back to the way you make ppl feel!
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Just a reminder to add more kindness,
More fun & more inclusivity into your life.
Treat others with respect.
And FFS, stop taking yourself so seriously!
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So let me ask you this:
Who were YOU in high school?
Does it still ring true today?