Someone accused me once of being too cocky for my own good. That was twelve years ago and I still feel those same feelings that I did then now. It stuck with me all throughout middle school, high school, and part of college. For years I beat myself down every time I felt that I was good at something or I would keep it quiet and away from others’ ears. I was that self-conscious kid until two years ago when I realized that my life was spent beating my confidence down. That moment changed me. I realized that having confidence isn’t being cocky. Having confidence produces success in whatever you set your mind to.
Three months ago I ran into that same person who said that to me all those years ago and I could tell that the confidence I had was absent in him. The skill that I possessed was vacant in him. I rose in confidence with help from all those at the AAC, and I am highly grateful and intend to pay them back in anyway I can.