As any other student, especially a high school student; I had a hard time this past year. From deaths in the family, friendship breakups, and school becoming my biggest burden, I’m glad to say that I’m going to be a senior in the fall. I’ve listened to many millennials around me tell me they have given up on school because they lost the motivation. Being a student myself, I understand completely where they’re coming from. Though I always have to show so much humility towards God for keeping me grounded all year that I didn’t give up. 

The real truth about high school is that…… It’s tough. Being virtual all year long was not expected from anyone. Not students, not teachers, not principals, and not parents. If I’m being honest, I used to get upset with my teachers in the beginning of this virtual learning. I’m human. I used to cry when I received a  C  for the marking period when I worked so hard for that A . This school year I beat myself up a lot, telling myself,  Essence, you have to go harder. Essence, what’s wrong with you? You’re better than this. Maybe you should give up, you’re not going to make it into the school of your dreams Yet the truth is that we are our own worst critic.

My reality is that I depend on my education, so giving up is not an option. Losing friendships during this past school year showed me that not everyone is forever. God showed me that he will place people in my life for a season when I may need them at that moment. Though every time he removes someone from my life, he’s getting me back on track within HIS WILL, so I can collect the REAL reward. God didn’t want me to depend on my education, he wanted me to depend on him. I got so caught up that I let my grades define who I am as a person whenthe whole time, I am more than a C, I am more than a B, I am more than an A, I am worth more than even my own imagination. I am done allowing my teachers to define who I am, and I am done worrying about a future that’s not here yet. Last time I checked, my God says he already has my whole life planned out.

Therefore I am signing off my junior year and NOW…. I’m going to live my intended Paradise. 

P.S – Future Essence, Attorney Winters, I am SO proud of you!