<p>A year ago, I would've been stunned to see where I am today. I'm writing essays and constantly looking at the Gateway application checklist, biting my nails, telling myself that I'll get cracking over the weekend. I guess what I'm trying to tell all applicants is that life takes unexpected turns, and if boarding school doesn't work out, you will find yourself in an interesting place later on that may not have happened had you been accepted. You've got your whole life to make a difference, and if admissions officers don't see that, show it to everyone else. Good luck to everyone this time around!</p>
<p>Stargirl,</p>
<p>My kids compete in a really tough sport. Before every competition, I text them one word. Sometimes I forget and they really get after me! They look at it as a good luck charm. So I’ll “text” you the one word I send to them:</p>
<p>BELIEVE.</p>
<p>=) </p>
<p>awkward 10char</p>
<p>I didn’t mean for that to be awkward. Just wanted to convey that a lot of people are pulling for you. 
Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!</p>
<p>I was just about to say how nice that was, PhotoMom…</p>
<p>You weren’t awkward, I was! I meant to have just a smiley face but CC didn’t like that. Thank you. =)</p>
<p>self-promoting bumpity bump</p>
<p>Never give up.</p>
<p>I am still biting my nails and pointlessly checking Gateway! :D</p>
<p>What a beautiful post you did last fall and I’m sorry that, so far, it has prescience. You seem like an amazing girl and we all hope that you are soon able to post “I am a boarding school student!” ala @twinsmama. You seem so much more mature than my own child and, frankly, anyone I know of your age. I really hope you get into one of your schools and regardless, esp. hope that Wellesley snatches you right up. </p>
<p>bump…</p>
<p>While I often wish that I were at boarding school right now, there are things I get to do that I otherwise wouldn’t. Next week, I’m going to teach an eighth grade English class about the death penalty, and I’m as excited for this just as much as I’ve been for March 10 (CCers will understand!). I’ve met some amazing people at school. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and auditioned for the student-run music concert (didn’t make it) and ran for class vice president (didn’t make it). Even though neither of those attempts were successful, I’m so glad I tried because just going at it feels so good.</p>
<p>The same thing applies to applications. Even though I’ve been through two rounds and it hasn’t worked out, I don’t regret trying. There is no better feeling than knowing you put forth your best effort, and no one can take that from you.</p>
<p>My all-time favorite teacher (the one whose class I’m going to teach) was afraid of me not trying things because of the fear of failure. She taught me so well. She taught me that no matter the outcome, it’s better to try and fail than to give up and spend your whole life wondering what could’ve happened.</p>
<p>Good for you! You go, stargirl! </p>