Hey friends,

I don’t know about you, but going back to school always feels like a big deal no matter what grade you're in. It’s exciting, but also really super scary sometimes. You start wondering: Will people look different? Have they changed? What if I don’t have any classes with my friends?

And then there's the pressure, new teachers, harder classes, trying to keep your grades up. It’s a lot.

But this year, I’m doing something different.

Instead of staying in my comfort zone, I’m stepping out of it. I’ve realized that growth doesn’t happen when we hide behind the same schedule, same people, same everything. So I’m making a promise to myself: I’m going to speak to more people. I’m going to introduce myself first. I’m going to make new friends, not just wait for someone to talk to me.

I’ve even signed up for debate as an elective this year. Last year? No way. I wouldn’t have dared. But I had this one teacher who really believed in me, and it made me think why not try something that excites me, even if it scares me a little?

And guess what? I have a goal.

I want to become captain of the debate team.

Yep, you heard it.

Not just because I love to talk (okay, maybe a little), but because I want to lead and help others feel heard too. Debate is about listening just as much as speaking. It's about understanding other people’s ideas, respecting different points of view, and learning how to express yourself with confidence and kindness.

That’s something I think we could all use more of in school just listening. We’re all going through our own stuff, and sometimes a simple “Hey, how’s it going?” can mean so much to someone who’s struggling.

Also, and I really mean this, don’t waste your energy trying to be someone else. Don’t let someone else’s opinion decide your worth. Some people might not get you. That’s okay. Most of the time, they’re dealing with their own insecurities anyway.

Be yourself. Speak up. Wear what you love. Go after what lights you up.

You don’t need to be the loudest, the most popular, or the trendiest. You just need to be you because that’s what the world actually needs more of.

So as we head into this new school year, I hope you’ll join me. Sign up for something new. Sit next to someone different at lunch. Try out for the thing you secretly wish you had the courage to do.

Let’s make this the year we choose confidence over fear, kindness over comparison, and growth over staying stuck.

We got this.

Here’s to the best school year yet- let’s go make it ours!

Love,

Your new friend who’s rooting for you