I’m so happy right now. It may not seem like much but to be able to understand what I’m studying means a lot to me. I used to think I was too dumb to learn things like Chemistry but I’m slowly making progress everyday. When I first started, I couldn’t understand how to read the periodic table of elements, now I know all kinds of things. Avogadro’s number 6.022 x 10^23, electron configuration, electromagnetic waves, photosynthesis, how to convert moles of an element into grams of that element and vice versa, etc. On a surface level this doesn’t seem like much but for me it means a lot because I struggled with school when I was young. I’m now 27 years old with 2 DUI’s on my criminal record and broken family relationships but this, along with a handful of other recent accomplishments makes me feel like I can do things that I set out to do regardless of what life throws at me. 1.7 years ago, I was sitting in a jail cell with all but a few cents to my name. Now I’m a free man studying whatever I wanna study in a nice quiet bedroom with my own desk and books. I have an electric scooter, I got a job, I have the support of my aunt and uncle, I made some allies, I got food in the fridge, I got shoes without holes, I’m not waking up out in some dirt field with bugs all over me and a raging headache, no longer running into the crazies as often, etc.
It’s amazing what happens with a little faith in yourself. It sounds cliche but you really do have to believe in yourself, even when others don’t. I am so thankful for the kindness I was shown when my life was falling apart. Relatives, and at times complete strangers showed me love when I felt like I least deserved it and that made all the difference.
3 comments
Hey I just want to say I’m happy for you.
We all have the capability to learn and grow and become better people, regardless of circumstance.
I’m happy you’re figuring things out.
I loved math and science as a kid, so it warms my heart knowing that someone else is out there enjoying learning about those things too.
T, the trulymindless1
Cherish it! Put a bookmark on this spot, attempt to frame it if possible. Good times are worth so much.
I think people underestimate the tremendous healing power of academics. From incapable to capable, helpless to powerful, the transformation is profound. Having been there myself…. and seen my life transformed by it, slow but sure, I realized there was more worth in my head than I gave credit.
So I congratulate you again. And slip a bit of advice, harness it well. This force can take you somewhere in life, somewhere better. Emotionally, economically and physically. It takes wisdom and guidance to get it right though.
This time will someday seem too short, sorry to be the rain on your parade. Such it always is with wonderful things. Yet that is the only dark bit, it may unlock new horizons, new adventures and paths that make this one seem tame by comparison. There may also be points where hard work is required, or where it is less than spectacular, those are the ones that test your character. That is the time to bring out the memories of times like this. Remember today on those harder days yet to come.
I believe you’ll mount up and take on those challenges. Why shouldn’t you? You’ve overcome quite some hardship to get here, whatever troubles lie ahead are mere triffles by comparison.
Again, I apologize for being the one to introduce the idea of hardship onto your glad day. It is who I am, how I relate to people. What I wish people had done to me on my past glad days.
This is good to hear. You’ve come a long way, you sound like a very impressive person.