Dear Back Bencher

Prerna Mullerpaten

19/UELA/038

Dear Back Bencher,

You barely even know who I am. Yes, I am part of your class, and yes, you have met me quite a few times now. You must think that I am the most boring person in the world.

I was that annoying kid who always had an answer, and for some reason, you decided that I had my entire life figured out. I think maybe that was why you hated me. Let me tell you this, I am not who you think I am. If anything, I envy you.

Your casual demeanour and your easy-going nature gained you a lot of fame, but more importantly, people you could rely on. Your charismatic approach to your priorities made it seem like you were someone who was of much importance as the others. Your pranks and jokes might have gained you a spot in the bad books of all teachers, but you sure were a hero to all your classmates.

You fiercely protected your views, you stood up for people in your group and sneakily ate food in class, and looking back at the old school days, doesn’t it give you a sense of pride that you made unique memories for yourself?

You might not have been the smartest kid in class, but you sure were outside, where it matters. You have no idea how much your self-confidence and trust you placed in yourself inspired everybody around you. You always had to face the brunt of the punishments, but your nonchalance made it seem like you were ready to face the world and every obstacle that came your way.

You may not know this, but I would trade places without much hesitation. Your approach to life might have seemed a little too reckless, but that’s how you showed everyone that being your true self is what matters the most, even more than grades.

You were someone who brought light and laughter everywhere you went and were the beacon of hope when the seriousness of things got to us. When people questioned you about your choices in life, you encouraged them to listen to their hearts. You often made conversations with random people, and through them brought about startling much-needed epiphanies.

Remember that wherever you go, find joy in the little things, and no matter what anybody says, you be you and do so proudly. You deserve everything as much as the next person.

Yours,

A first Bencher.