The Set-Up: High school is a challenge for everyone. Academically, socially, mentally, and just waking up that early.  I went to the middle school that was considered the poor middle school in the district.  The education I received has the potential for being shoddy, but due to some fantastic teachers I was still challenged.  When 8th grade rolled around my parents decided I should go to a different high school than most people in my middle school. I recoiled from this.

The What:  My parents wanted me to be challenged and the high school they wanted me to go had the I.B. Program. This program is very challenging and it frightened me. Going to a school where no one knew me and working very hard all the time was just not appealing.  As it turned out I loved the program, loved the school, and loved the people. I enjoyed the challenge and I learned almost everyday.

The So-What: The internal conflict came from social anxiety and anxiety about not being good enough to face challenges.  As it turns out it re-enforced that I can be successful in both social and educational situations.  It was frightening but I proved to myself that I can be successful even when I feel I cannot be.

The Now-What: Now I can use this high school experience as motivation for times when a task seems daunting or unfinish-able. My academic skills and social skills would not have developed as well if my parents hadn't encouraged and eventually forced the challenge on me. It stunk for a little whle but I learned I am resilient and strong.