Just before High School

My life before high school was typical of any middle to high income child living in the suburbs. I participated in dance, soccer, horseback riding camps, and excelled at school. I was the valedictorian at my Gr. 8 graduation, and also won a few awards. I received the female academic award, and the female athlete award. I won numerous speech competitions at my school as well. I was used to working hard at school and excelling, but signs that I was really hard on myself were definitely apparent. I wrote “FAIL” on a math test in Gr. 8 that I got 92% on because I felt like it wasn’t good enough. This was my experience of the world, and I didn’t know any better or any other way to think about things. I accepted that pressure as normal and part of my reality.