Confidence

Today I was eating lunch with my friend Fred. We were talking about grad school, our freaking out, finals- all the things that brighten up a cold November day-. He made a comment that I had never thought of before... and it was such a huge compliment. Basically he said:

'You think you're inadequate because you compare yourself to those very few at the very top. But you don't realize that you are actually one of them."

My jaw almost hit the floor. Wow, it might really be true. I just have such a hard time building up my confidense because I'm only looking up. Sure people have hinted towards similar phrases, but no one ever said it in that way before. Maybe it's because Fred and I think in similar ways... kind of like how we agree on my version of phonetics (but that's a different story).

People have consistently told me that I have the qualifications I need. That I'm prepared. That my resume looks amazing. That I have what it takes. I'm pretty sure I agree, but it's still such a new feeling... confidence isn't something that just appears, it truely must be built. So I have to keep reminding myself: I can shine, I am ready, and others can tell!

As my teacher said today: "Just put those (negative thoughts) out of your mind for now, and don't worry about the outcome. You will be fine."