3. It was Colt’s first day of Middle School and he was very nervous that he was not going to be cool enough or smart enough or strong enough. He was very scared of his first day of Middle school.

4. I made it to my first period class – Math,our teacher was Mrs. Glad and she started off class by calling role -“Charlie”. “Here”. “Jenifer”. “Here”.“Elise”. “Here”. “Colt”. I did not know what to say, I have never had a teacher who takes role, so I said –” yes Mrs. Glad “. Mrs. Glad said “no no no you’re supposed to say” here”. I said “here” and all the kids in the class started giggling.

5. When she started writing Math problems on the board and asked if anyone knew the answer everyones hands shot up, but mine. The teacher called on me and the class went silent. I freeze and could not give the answer, so she calls on someone else. I was so embarassed, I put my head down on the desk and thought to myself - I will never be as smart as a teacher.

8. I knew that I was not going to be big enough, tall enough, fast enough- so I did not do any of them. As I sat on the bench watching the other kids play, I thought to myself- I will never be a strong athlete.

9. School was finally over for the day. I ran back home hoping that my mom would not see me and ask about my day, because it was terrible! I ran upstairs and immediately went to bed.

10. The next day,mom came into my room to wake me up and I said “ I think I’m sick”. She got the thermometer and stuck it in my mouth. She said” your temperature is fine -why do you not want to go to school ?” I told her “I am not smart enough,cool enough or strong enough !” Mom said” you don’t need any of those things- all you need is family, friends and confidence!” I said “thanks mom,you always know how to cheer me up !” After my moms pep talk, I started to get ready for school.

12. I saw Dakota in Athletics,I said “you are in Track, what’s it like?” He said it was running and that he thought it was fun, so I joined the team. While we ran in Track we talked and talked. I think for the first time since school started- I smiled. Just like my mom said- you don’t need to be super smart or super strong or super cool - all you need is friends, family and confidence! So be like Dakota and if you see someone sitting all by themselves- go sit next to them, because it could make their day and yours!