I have known many people and I have lived a fairly long time (67 years). Your world is so much different from the one I lived as a young person. However, some things have not changed. The challenges to growth are still here, the bullies reincarnated in all there ugly forms are still with us, and your journey may offer even more hazards than the past generations.

But you must believe that there is no one like you. You may have come from advantage and your journey is almost assured to be successful. You may have come from the most dismal environment and your journey is rough, dangerous, at times, unfulfilling and painful. But you must believe that there is no one like you.

I have witnessed it over and over again, in every decade, in different parts of the world, with all people. What I have witnessed is the uniqueness of mankind and the uniqueness of the individual. For every failure in people, I have seen five successes. There successes are often overlooked. They are minor to others, but major to the players involved People don't walk around with signs around their neck announcing, " I don't steal anymore", "I don't drink or smoke", "I'm away from drugs" or "I can sleep at night because who I was yesterday does not live in this body"! The successes mentioned above are minor to others but major to those affected!

You may be in an environment where many voices will tell you that you are no good. Those who tell you this are usually suffering and have been treated badly. They often vent their frustration on you in a vain attempt to feel better. Sometimes, just a few voice will give you that word of encouragement, "Don't give up." They are the ones you should listen to.

Remember, the bullies at school will all be gone in 2 or 3 years. You will probably never see them again. Don't let them kidnap you will-being. Don't let them stop you from your dreams.

ACT

Try kind acts on others. You'll get ignored by some. But others will thank you and you will be helping others. These deeds of kindness will often get you out of your funk. If you are helping others, you won't be so worried about yourself.

A hateful word to someone may do damage to them. Believe me, you can't get even in this life. You've just got to go on. It seems like a natural law. If you put out hate-you get hate in return. If you put out love-you get love in return.

I know that it's difficult not to seek vengeance when someone does you wrong. But, at least in my experience, getting back at them just makes things worse.

On the other hand, I've seen the results of kind words. Sometimes, it's years later. I encouraged a man who worked for me to go to college. The man didn't feel that he was capable of college work. I convinced him otherwise. He got a Masters's Degree!

This was nothing great on my part but it was a positive step. I planted a small seed. He did all the long hours of study and research and writing.

A man once told me that he wanted to be a pilot. I knew the man had little education. But I encouraged him thinking that it was not possible for him to be an aviator. Years later, I met the same man... he had just finished ground school and was getting ready for more study.

And so it is with you, that something dwells in you, yet to be discovered. A package of talents different from anyone else on earth. You, indeed are special.