Charli K., Oakwood High School
Self-Confidence: Our Hero
Everyone has something lurking behind them. Darkness devising how to rule them and a thirst to drain them of their personality. It would destroy us all, except for one thing. Self-confidence is our knight to shield us: she keeps the darkness away. But, self-confidence is like a balloon. It can deflate and only you can blow it up.
My self-confidence has always been fragile, leaving me a victim to my own darkness. After moving towns, the first summer had no mercy for me. I considered the worst, feeling I only took from the world: like a parasite. Those feelings continued throughout my next years until I went to an extraordinary summer camp.
The whole concept of the camp was confidence leads you to your passion, and your passion changes the world. One individual, in particular, changed my life and confidence forever.
He shone a spotlight on my weak self-confidence and said that you can choose to be strong. All humans decide what makes their life worth living, be it relationships, faith, money, but all of these things don’t always last forever. He explained that while these things are a part of your life, they do not define you. By valuing everything you put into the world, your strength comes from within. What you do, no matter how big or small gives you worth.
I then finally understood, why my darkness had a hand around my neck and my confidence huddled in a corner. I based my self-worth not on who I was, but the relationships I was able to make. If others needed me and enjoyed my company, then I must be a good person, right? I aided the very thing that annihilated my soul.
But, then I asked myself, what can I put into the world. What can I do?
Throughout camp, passion kindled in my soul. I learned about the power of youth and their drive. That following your passion doesn’t have to start when you are “grown-up.“ I realized that I could do what I want now to change the world, one baby step at a time. I can take any of my passions and be able to put something into the world to make it better, with music, art, leadership or whatever burns a fire in me.
Everything I came to recognize, has been revolutionary in my life. My self-confidence and self-love have grown; I am more resilient. Although I sometimes see a glimpse of the darkness or hear it call to me during my weak moments, I know that I am enough in the world.
Everyone has their own darkness, but it doesn’t have power unless you grant it. If you take the time to ponder and truly understand yourself then having confidence in your self-worth is only a little farther off. From there, your confidence will lead you to your passion, and your passion will change the world.
