Rocky || Acrylic Sydney Liu

Sydney Liu Rocky

laying claim to your qualities, and you can do that quietly. I am shy, sensitive, and creative; empathetic, humble, and thoughtful; anxious, sheltered, and awkward. You don’t have to be like your twin or anybody else. You’re not in a race; others’ wins are your victories too. It’s good to go at your own pace, so if you’re different, own it. If you studied hard, don’t pretend that you didn’t. If you like anime or Warrior Cat books, then, baby girl, you own that too! With confidence, you’ll find that your test scores will improve, people will be naturally drawn to you, and you’ll be so much happier.

If something’s bothering you, your feelings are valid. Don’t be afraid to switch classes, approach teachers, talk out disagreements with friends, or start to work out, eat healthier, and learn makeup. It’s in your power to change. Eventually, you’ll find confidence when you’re not actively seeking it. So stop overthinking. You’ll be so much more open and surprised by what you love. You’ll find Latin, computer science, track and field, or even a wonderful community of underclassmen on your afternoon bus.

You’ll be graduating Greenwich Academy with a kickass GPA, accepted early decision at the University of Pennsylvania, but that’s not what I’m proudest of you for. You’ll go from someone deathly afraid of ordering a coffee to working on the other side of the register at Walgreens. You’ll go from someone who had a social anxiety breakdown at Model Congress to confessing pointblank to your crush. Guess what, you got turned down, but you’re still friends, it isn’t awkward, and I’m incredibly proud of you. You’ve learned that you don’t have to fit into some box, that you can have a great day after flunking a test, and that you’re going to be okay.

So, please, release your knees and stand up for yourself. Reach out a hand, and you’ll be surprised at how many people want to help. Look me in the eyes, straighten your back—don’t you ever be afraid to take up space. Let me give you a hug, for you’re not alone. And open your mouth, because even though you’re quiet, you have something worth saying.