Usagi Says: Things never stop changing, but that’s okay.

I turn 25 in exactly 5 weeks, and tomorrow, I have to take an exam that will be the most important test of my life so far. And, hopefully, I’ll never have to do anything like this again.

Its a certification exam to determine whether or not I can be a school librarian. If I pass, I’ll be able to work in a school anywhere in the state, and the more I study, the more I discover this is something I want to do. I figured I’d be a public librarian or go into another career path in spite of my Master’s program, but the more I study teaching in my Master’s track, the more excited I get...and I realized I know my stuff! (I’ve passed every single practice test with flying colors.)

One problem, though, I have a history of completely blanking on tests....and I never thought I’d have to take a test like this again. I figured online quizzes to determine what character I was in a show would be my future, not having to answer really complicated moral questions like, “How do you handle an unsolicited donation from a public figure of material that is banned in your district?” on yet another standardized test.

Another issue is that I’ve spent pretty much my whole life getting it drilled into me that the things I cared about didn’t matter: school, teaching, reading, writing....

I also grew up in the early 1990′s, which means that Common Core, STEM, and standardized testing became increasingly important with much less backlash than I would have expected. The things I was good at, I was told didn’t matter in the real world...but that’s not true.

There’s also the fact that me still loving a lot of the same stuff I did as a kid and being emotional causes a lot of people to think I’ll never make it in the world.

However, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching my parents, who love the liberal arts and who raised me around artists, it’s this: there will always be a need for people like me, and a need for everyone else who has been told their passions are not profitable. Art is important, writing is important, STEM is important, history is important, everything is important.

So, I know I have to manage my anxiety and take this test. If I pass, I will be thrilled, but even if I don’t, I know it doesn’t mean I’m not wanted....

...........no matter what Luna’s expression says.

-Miss Usagi

Sailor Moon says:

Sometimes people you care about might say hurtful things that they don't mean. They might not even realize they're hurting you, or they'll be teasing you for reasons you might not even understand

Regardless of why, it's perfectly okay for you to feel hurt and to let them know that they've hurt you. That way, they know that you were hurt and why and you don't keep your feelings bottled up. Even if you know they didn't mean to hurt you, feeling hurt is still valid, and if you're able to, please raise your concerns to those you love! It's the only way they'll know and come to understand why you're upset.

-Miss Usagi

Sailor Moon Says:

Sometimes even the people who love you won't believe in your dreams. People might tell you to give up or torment you for what they see as your shortcomings.

This can sometimes get to you and make you not believe in yourself.

But they don't know what you're capable of, sometimes only you do for sure. I know how hard it is, but you can't let them get in the way of your dreams. Sometimes the very things people think make you weak, make you stronger than you ever thought possible, so do not give up hope! There will always be those who believe in you, too!

Sailor Moon says!

Sailor Moon says:

Sometimes things get overwhelming, no matter what you do. Sometimes even things that can be happy like the holidays, getting good grades, or a new job can make you feel overwhelmed and depressed. It can cause anxiety attacks, relapses, and crying spells. Sometimes, that can make you feel like you're weak, but you're not. You're strong for surviving all those things, and everything only makes you stronger. Sailor Moon says!

Sailor Moon Says:

Sometimes things you love doing can be really frustrating and you keep trying and trying but you just can't seem to get as good at them as other people you know, but if it's what you really love, don't give up! I believe in you and any successes you have are fantastic. You don't have to be the best at something you love, you just have to care! Sailor Moon says!