Will Smith said, “Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. Not even [me]. You got a dream, you protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they’re gonna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something go get it. Period.”

While watching the Pursuit of Happiness last year in sociology, I was unable to really identify with the quote. Until this year I didn’t have anyone I cared enough to prove wrong, but that was before I was told I was not good enough to achieve what I want in life.

Often times people are faced with goals they wish to achieve and the sometimes puerile comments made by others can halt that desire. When someone is told they can’t do something by another person there are two main reactions. The first is the need to prove them wrong and the other is letting those comments stifle their drive in fear of failure.

For me, it was the latter. As someone who takes in account other people’s opinions, I associated their comments with my self worth. The fact that I was told by someone in an authority position that my hopes are improbable and I’m not good enough to attain them, made it even more of setback for me. My immediate thoughts were that I shouldn’t try anymore since my best isn’t good enough, but that was before I realized that would be letting the other side win.

As children, most high schoolers were told that they could do anything they set their minds to and to dream big. That mentality shouldn’t be lost now that we’re older, because no matter what anyone says it is still true. This is your life and no one gets to decide your future. Take those belittling comments as something to grow from.

Whether it be striving to earn a high mark on a test, make a team, attend the college you want, or anything in life, only the person doing those things has the power to decide if they can attain it or not. If someone else tells you that you’re incapable of achieving something, take their negativity and turn it around to ultimately prove them wrong. As cliche as it sounds, if there is something you truly want don’t stop trying and show the people who doubted you that they are the erroneous ones.

Sincerely,

Sydney