I woke up this morning feeling different. Usually, I rush out of bed and complain about school, but today I remembered the math test I was so scared of. I studied every night this week, even when my friends were playing video games.
When the teacher handed back the papers, my hands were shaking. Then I saw the big red 92 at the top. I couldn’t stop smiling. I am proud of myself today. It’s not just because of the grade, but because I didn’t give up when things got hard. After school, I helped my little sister with her homework instead of getting annoyed. My dad noticed and gave me a high five. I feel like I’m growing up, little by little. Maybe I’m still just thirteen, but I’m starting to see what I can do when I really try. That makes me excited for the future.
I know there will be harder tests, tougher practices, and days when I feel like a little boy again, but now I believe I can face them without running away. That really means a lot to me.