How have you been, cause I hope you have been good. I just wanted to let you know that things at Temple have been going well. No one has accidentally coughed on me yet so I’d say I’m in the clear.

When I was in high school I was pretty scared of college and failing. I had terrible anxiety about getting into a college, my grades, and being successful in life. When I met you I didn’t think that would change and that I would stay the same throughout the rest of my life.

The further we got into our school year I realized that you were setting an example for me. An example that you should focus on yourself and not worry about what others think of you. It was the exact opposite of what I’ve been taught my entire life so it took me a while to catch on.

This teaching style changed my life.

My personality was filled with confidence and it allowed me to realize that what others think about you only matters to you if you let it matter. Others worries shouldn’t become your worries. You made this clear to me when I was taking one of your tests and It was the difference between a C and a B for my senior year. I remember having a slight breakdown and just being angry at myself for not studying hard enough, even though I knew I studied plenty. I exclaimed I don’t get why I can’t understand history.

You saw that I was obviously angry and walked over and asked if I was okay. You saw that I was emotional and being hard on myself because It felt like the right thing to do at the time. You came over and said, “don’t crack on me dude.”. I never would have thought anyone in my life would say that to me, but you did and with good timing too. I needed someone to help me realize that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. You did just that and more for me.

You helped me understand that I shouldn’t worry about the test and just move on with my day and think about the test to much. You ended up helping me out a lot and I think you noticed how much weight I had on my shoulders from others for getting into college and succeeding in life.

I can now confidently say that I’m active in conversations here at college! You were right about conversations being weird I didn’t believe you when you said people would think I’m messing with them when talking about politics. I remember you telling me that I was the most interesting student you’ve ever had because of my opinions and that you said never to change that.

Because of you I don’t constantly think of what others think of me or allow my performances in anything reflect upon anxiety. I think clearly and for myself, you taught me that.

Thanks for everything

Christian Smith.