To The Kids Who Are "Average":

It's okay. I'm in the same boat as you.

I cannot tell you the amount of times I've called my mother after a difficult test, in the middle the week after feeling the pressure of stress push heavy bricks on top of my shoulders, close to tears or unleashing waves of babbling frustrations.

There are times where I feel largely inferior to my peers. My major is certainly not easy; it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and memorization. You can't be successful without being passionate nor determined. A lot of my peers and close friends get envy-worth grades, have hearts of the purest gold (the kind you only find unearthed in the deepest of mines), and are just genuinely wonderful people.

I always compared myself to them, and still to this day do. I was angry with myself because I didn't feel smart enough or diligent enough. I didn't feel like I deserved to be on the same level as them and subsequently, never viewed myself as their equals. I love my peers and friends; they are incredibly supportive and I'm blessed to know such intelligent, inquisitive young people.

I was always a high-honors student. I got straight-As and in high school, it felt effortless. I loved school and learning and it was demonstrated. I built great relationships with my teachers and I was a member of the National Honor Society. I saw myself as a studious, picturesque good girl who had the world in front of myself and then I came to college... and realized I was just like everyone else.

Choosing a major is difficult and a profession at the age of eighteen is difficult nonetheless, but even at twenty, it's hard to be knee-deep in undergrad and say "this is what I want to do for the rest of my life even though I feel severely overwhelmed and unqualified."

Despite my love for the major and my passion for the field, I consistently doubt myself because I don't feel like I'm enough. I constantly compare myself to my peers.

Let me tell you: comparison will kill you.

Stop comparing yourself to the people around you, your siblings, your former self. You should always strive to do your best and be the best version of yourself, but not at the expense of tearing yourself apart and leaving permanent lacerations on your esteem and bruises on your soul.

You should remember the brilliance of your creativity, the strength of your heart. Every person has something to offer this world, and you shouldn't forget that you too have a chance to make a difference and leave your mark.

Look at what makes you unique and special despite what everyone else looks like. Remember all of your bright intricacies and don't let what your flaws or weaknesses may be overshadow them. Celebrate your strengths. Bask in them and highlight them.

Stop submitting yourself to the idea you're not as good as the next person and you're subpar.

If you want something and are passionate about it enough, you will be able to accomplish the feat.

You aren't successful unless you fail first.

Don't give up, have faith in and patience with yourself.