Dear Derrick,

Well, your first year of high school is having its ups and downs. There are some kids picking on you and bullying you around. I know it is so hard to ignore and teenagers can be so cruel. But I can tell you in 4 more years, it's not going to matter. Those bullies and mean kids are not going to matter at all.

There is so much more to life than high school. I know it doesn't seem like it now because it's your life, your time in the moment. But listen to me when I say, it all won't matter in a few years. What will matter is how you learn to handle yourself. What will matter is your character, not your reputation.

One of my favorite quotes of all time is by John Wooden. It is, 'Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.'

Love you,

Mom