A Letter to My Older Self

Dear Older Self,

I wanted to remind you of a time when there was one person who believed in your vision- someone who had confidence in you. Someone who helped you with your biggest challenge-talking to people. With her kind, encouraging words, she helped you bloom and overcome your fear.

To those who are reading this letter, talking to someone was harder than climbing Mount Everest for me! It's not that I did not want to talk. It was just really hard for me. The words just seem to get stuck in my mouth! Strange as this may sound, it was very real for me!

Her unwavering conviction in my abilities helped me soar, and made my dream project since 1st grade come true!!! The project was The Mustang Chronicle!!! My vision was to create a platform for Mustangs to share, learn, and connect with each other and also the place to celebrate our diversity and similarities!

Slowly but steadily, during the challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic, when everyone was learning online, she helped me grow! First, through the Genius Hour presentations, where I got a chance to work on my skills. Then, I made a presentation about my dream project to the Principals. I grew confident in my skills because I knew she had my back. She guided me every step of the way.

You have heard people say “Teachers can change lives.” For me that one teacher was my 3rd- grade class teacher, Mrs. Lu Flodine. I just want Mrs. Flodine to know, even though I don’t say it often enough- thank you for giving me your time, attention, and love. Your confidence in me will take me far, whatever I’m going to accomplish in my life will be because of your huge faith in me.

Dear Older me, you’ll have lots of teachers in life but there will only be one Mrs. Flodine!!!

~ By Navya A