Jasper Huang, G 11 黄锦程

I used to be relentlessly hard on myself. If I achieved a good grade, my focus would narrow to the few mistakes I had made, as if they erased my successes. When I spoke in class, I would replay every sentence in my mind afterward, worrying that my words sounded foolish and that others were secretly judging me.

I constantly measured myself against my classmates, always concluding that I fell short — less articulate, less accomplished, less confident. This cycle of comparison and self-criticism was exhausting, filling me with anxiety. I spent more energy blaming myself for my perceived flaws than channeling that energy into growth, trapping myself in perpetual dissatisfaction.

The turning point came when I read a book titled “The Courage to Be Imperfect.” In it, the author shared her journey of growing up with self-doubt, detailing how she once hated her own shyness and sensitivity. However, through reflection, she came to a realization: these same traits also made her a careful, empathetic, and deeply kind person. This idea resonated with me, planting a seed of change.

I had always assumed that worthiness was a reward for perfection. The book suggests that self-acceptance is not surrender to stagnation, but rather the foundation for growth.

With this understanding, I began to reframe the narrative I held about myself. My tendency toward anxiety could also be seen as a reflection of how deeply I cared about my work and my impact on others. My habit of overthinking, once a source of paralysis, also meant I was thorough and responsible, considering consequences others might overlook.

Learning to make peace with myself is neither easy nor a destination achieved once and for all. It is a daily practice, a conscious choice to return to kindness when criticism feels more familiar.

I am finally learning to treat myself with the compassion I readily extend to others. I now believe that true progress does not start from self-loathing, but from acceptance. When we finally make peace with who we are, with all our complexities and contradictions, we unlock the potential to become better.