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A Letter to The Mentor Who Changed My Life
Thank You for Believing in Me
Dear Kelsey,
It’s hard to believe it’s been twelve years since we last spoke or saw each other in person. Twelve years feels like a lifetime, and so much has happened in that time. Honestly, I don’t know where to begin because it’s taken me so long to write this letter. Maybe the best place to start is by saying I wish there were a time machine.
If I could go back, I’d cherish those seventeen years of freedom from responsibilities. Who knew that life after eighteen would be so different from what I imagined? I wish I’d taken more advantage of the people who believed in me, and who truly wanted to see me shine. There were so many who saw my potential, but I was too afraid to see it myself.
Back then, I was told I was a star student, a kind soul with a heart of gold. Looking back now, I wish I’d said thank you to everyone who supported me — especially you.
You came into my life when I was fourteen: a shy, introverted, and vulnerable kid struggling with school. Homework felt like an impossible puzzle, especially math, which was my greatest weakness. I cried almost every day out of frustration, convinced I was destined to be left behind — not just in school, but in life.
When I was twelve, my mom enrolled me in a youth program to get help with homework and participate in activities like dance, drama, art, crochet, and humanitarian work. Two years later, you arrived.
You were this bubbly, warm, and friendly twenty something year old college graduate from the west coast, with dreams of working with kids and continuing your education. I’ll never forget how you greeted me so kindly, despite my shyness. You didn’t see my quietness as a barrier or a problem. Instead, you gently helped me feel comfortable around you, breaking through my shell one kind moment at a time.
The next thing I knew, I became more outgoing. I started asking questions without feeling ridiculous and got serious about humanitarian work in my neighborhood. All of this happened just four months after meeting you. You had this incredible aura that made people feel safe and comfortable, a spark that many youth counselors didn’t have.
