Today was Halloween. I was invited to a party.

I needed to find a picture of me when i was little in a Halloween costume for a game we were playing at the party.

I pulled out the dusty file box that contained every material item that fabricated my past, in hopes of finding the perfect photograph.
before i knew it, i was taking a trip down memory lane, as i carefully pulled out each file folder, labeled "preschool" all the way to "10th grade", and flipped trough artwork, letters from relatives, report cards, and school projects.

It was when I got to my third grade folder that i broke down. In it i found two documents, letters, actually, addressed to me.

The first one was from my third grade teacher. "it has been a joy to have you in my class this year," it read. "Your artwork is incredible, and the stories that you write have been my favorite to read if any student i have ever had. You are such a hard worker, and your smile lights up your face. You are truly talented and i know you will be doing great things some day."

The second letter was from my dearest Father. In the first line it said." from the first time I held you, i knew that you were destined to do great things..." it then goes on to say," You bring such joy into my life. I hope you remember that its the little things, notes, crafts, giving hugs and kisses, and saying " i love you" that will always make me happy."

"what's happened to me?" I thought to myself, as i reflected on how it felt... being 8. I was quiet, but confident. shy, but strong.

My new favorite word: passion. It's what i had, and what i need now.

That little eight-year-old girl is part of who i am...

I've just let what other teachers, other friends say rule my heart.