“You really want to be a part of this? Are you crazy?” exclaimed my friend, sounding too old for someone who was just 10 years old. Taking notice of the underestimation in her voice, I narrowed my eyes at her.

“Yes, I want to,” I said, returning my gaze to the paper in my hand that had the words “Spelling Bee” boldly printed across it. I tightened my grip on the paper as I argued, “I’m sure I’ll make it to the next round, and I don’t care what you think!”

“I was just saying you should give it more thought,” my friend argued back in the same tone as we continued walking back to our classroom.

I was in grade four and the school I attended was hosting its annual Spelling Bee. It was open to all ages, but none from my grade had ever participated. On the contrary, I believed in myself and prepared day and night for........

© Dawn Young Magazine