Kelsey Dennis
Dear Jerry Spinelli,
As I looked around the lunchroom one day, I realized something. People are always wishing they are something or someone they aren't. The "populars" sit in the middle of the lunchroom like the kings and queens of middle school, and then there's everyone else wishing we were them. We wish we were just a little more skinny, attractive, or brave. We wish we were tanner, had curly hair, or a perfect complexion. We continually beat ourselves up for the things that make us unique and simply human. When I read Stargirl my whole mindset on life and how I looked at others and myself was indefinitely altered.
Stargirl. Just her name alone proves that she is not your regular fairytale princess. Then as you turn the pages of her life story, her unusual characteristics continue to be thrown at you. Stargirl plays the ukulele, has a pet rat, and sings to her classmates during lunch. Is she serious? I immediately thought that she must always be self-conscious and embarrassed. Boy was I wrong.
Not only does Stargirl embrace her individuality, but she also thrives on others bewildered and questioning glances. When I first envisioned Stargirl, I instantly jumped to the conclusion that I would never want to be like her. Then I began to look deeper than Stargirl's untraditional exterior. I began to rethink everything.
She's confident and trusts herself to be true to who she is and who she wants to become. She never feels awkward like I do, or unsure of what she should do or say in a situation. She never even hesitates. She never second-guesses herself and her decisions like I always seem to do. Stargirl always chooses to follow her first instinct believing that she knows in her heart what, in the long run, will be best for her. Even when she's chased with snickers in the hallway, she doesn't cower or hide her face like those in the Ames Middle School hallway's who are followed with laughter. No, she continues to walk with her head held high, and her ukulele slung proudly over her shoulder. Those who chose not to be frightened by the unfamiliarity that is Stargirl, came to realize what an incredible and fascinating human being she truly is.
As her story continued, I began to feel a ping of jealousy toward Stargirl. She is the epitome of what every girl, including me, truly wants to be. She is confidant with what she wants, and she's positive that by remaining true to herself she could possibly impact others' lives. In the past I have wanted nothing but to fit in with the "cool" crowd. I never considered that by being just me, I could not only raise my self-respect, but I could even inspire someone, or give someone a little more hope for himself or herself. Maybe I don't want to be Stargirl, but I wish I could have her attitude towards life. The amount of love and respect she has for herself is overwhelming.
After finishing Stargirl, I walk down the hallway with my head up high and my backpack slung proudly over my shoulder. Now more than ever, I am truly pleased to be simply me, beautiful and simply human, me.
Thank you,
Kelsey Dennis
