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I Was Always The Girl Who Never Said The Right Thing

Or said it at the right time.

EmmaLee Haga

Feb 24, 2017

American Musical and Dramatic Academy - New York

I Was Always The Girl Who Never Said The Right Thing

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I would not be the person I am today without all the bullying I endured in middle school and high school. I would not be the person I am today without knowing what it is like to have divorced parents, or barely enough money to make it by. I would not be the person I am today if it wasn't for the assholes who broke my heart, or the people who tried to tear me apart countless times. But, I am thankful that I have had those experiences.

Growing up, I wasn't always the pretty one or the popular one. I was always the little nerd in the back with her glasses and hair in a scrunchy. I was the little girl who had this weird body that always got sick or injured. I was the middle schooler who was fat and was called "hungry hungry hippo". I was the sophomore who had the name "anorexic" or "bones". I was the senior in high school who had to prove that they were good enough to dance despite all of her ailments. I was the 17-year-old girl who got an acceptance letter to her dream school and moved to New York City.

I was the girl who overcame.

I don't look back on my school years and think, "I wish I had a different life." Because in all honesty, I wouldn't want anything different to have happened. I was able to grow as a person and become the woman I am today. I would not be sitting here typing this now if I hadn't decided to pursue my dream of being an actor. But, here I am.

Today, I am the woman who goes to AMDA. I am the Editor-In-Chief for the AMDA Odyssey Team. I am the one who is a full-time student with two jobs. I am the person that has faith in myself to succeed.

I am the woman who has changed.

I would not be here if I hadn't spoken up for myself, or hadn't been determined to follow my dreams or speak my mind. There was never a good time to say what I needed to say or the perfect moment, but I did it anyways. I was always evolving so that I could be here now.

There will never be enough time, or a good place, or a great way to say something that will break your heart, or make your world turn upside down. You just have to say it. Right then and there. In that moment. YOU have to stand up for yourself and do what is BEST for YOU.

BE FREE. LET GO. BE WHO YOU WANT TO BE.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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I Was Always The Girl Who Never Said The Right Thing

Or said it at the right time.

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There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

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