During staff training a few months ago, we were challenged to pick an animal that best describes us or an animal that we view as our mascot. Because I’m a rebel, I did not pick my school’s mascot. Soon, I found myself stuck with no idea of what to choose. Not knowing what else to pick, I picked a turtle. Silly, right? Nonetheless, turtle it was. I feel as though a turtle relates to me and I relate to a turtle for a multitude of reasons.

First off, I picked a turtle because turtles have a hard shell, but soft insides. I feel like this related to me in that, because of my past, I can come across as hard or unwilling to be vulnerable. In all actuality though, I am very soft on the inside. I am a very gentle and compassionate person who deeply loves people. I hate when I say the wrong thing or hurt someone with my words or actions. These are the reasons that I feel I relate most deeply to a turtle.

Secondly, I chose a turtle to be my mascot because I can be a very sensitive person. You may not know this, but turtle’s shells have many nerve endings that make them very sensitive to touch. Despite having such a hard shell, turtles feel almost every touch, which is why they quickly retreat inside of their shell. I, honestly, am kind of the same way. I am very sensitive to touch, and I do not approve of it from many people. I have come a long way in regard to this and allow many more people to hug me, but it still makes me jittery.

Thirdly, I am quick to withdraw and retreat inside of my comfort zone, much like how the turtle retreats inside its shell. At times, withdrawing gets me in a lot of trouble because I avoid what I should be facing. Other times, withdrawing and going to my comfort zone allows me the space I need in order to process so that I can come back and deal with a difficult or uncomfortable situation.

Lastly, I chose my mascot to be a turtle because of the concept behind turtle soup. Turtle soup is a delicacy in many countries. The trick with turtle soup, though, is that one must give it time to cook. Turtles can be tough, but when one works with them, they can be very tender. In all honesty, this is how I am. As those who have walked this journey with me know very well, I was a tough kid, but now because of their love and the Lord’s love being exemplified through them, I am very tender.

For the reasons found above, a turtle has become my mascot. Learning more about turtles has caused me to learn more about myself, such as the things that make me tick, the things that cause me to withdraw and the things that make me uncomfortable. Thankfully, the things I have learned have challenged me to grow, to work on and not run from the hard situations and to love well.