To All the Shieldmaiden Wallflowers, Who Never Belonged in High School

Dearest,

It looks like you just need someone to care. You keep coming out of the girls' bathroom a little more red in the face, a little more crumpled in the shoulders. You keep your back to the wall and your shiny eyes to the floor. You clutch your sketchbook in front of you as if it were a shield. Only you know what's happened in your life to make a girl of sixteen walk the school halls like a shieldmaiden going to war.

You're brave. Someone should be telling you this everyday. It's hard to face the hordes of faces, all wrapped up in their own confusing worlds, all hoping that someone has it a little worse than they do, so that no one notices the ways they don't blend in. But you know what it means to stand out, to suffer. You're countercultural, a pioneer, a dreamer. The artists and heroes of tomorrow never had a hope of fitting in, in high school.

They weren't made to. They were made to shine, just like you are. And, my goodness, you're blinding bright. Like the sun, like a rocket. Most people don't know what to do with that kind of light. But there are a few, who know how to appreciate the warmth and the brightness, when they come across it. So hang onto this letter, and know that you're beautiful and unique,and it matters. It's making a difference.

Sincerely,

A friend, who's grateful for your light.