Student Reflection: Catholic Schools Week

One of my favorite quotes from the Bible is, “And David danced before the Lord with all his might." It might not be the most inspirational or the deepest quote out there, but I personally like it. It is one of the happier moments in the first reading, where David celebrated bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem after trying 2 times to do so. I think that it shows the triumph in succeeding in what God has called us to do. Also, it relates to the second reading, where it is written, “whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.”

I am an insecure person. I am always overthinking how I present myself to others and how I seem. When depression is getting the best of me, sometimes I just give up and avoid everyone. But during regular time, my insecurity devolves into a consistent buzz in the back of my head. I constantly wonder if I’m being judged, and I want people to think I’m cool and someone to be respected. Earlier in high school, I thought that I could stop this judgement by wearing cool clothes. I bought FOG, Off-White, Playboi Carti merch, sweaters from instagram brands, 8 pairs of shoes, a supreme hoodie, All Saints, and others. Now, some people might be thinking, “woah, D1 bandwagon hopper." And they would be right.

I was so nervous about how people saw me for the first time that I didn’t bother to actually develop myself beyond the first impression. Outside I had cool fits, but inside I didn’t know how to talk to people, I was childish, and still depressed. I wanted people to think I was a well-rounded person without me actually being a well-rounded person. You can’t just expect yourself to be born cool and know how to talk to people. In fact, the second reading even says, “not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful."

Once I realized that I need to develop myself and not just my style, life became easier. I began to make a conscious effort to realize my mistakes in daily conversation and also began to go to church. Every Sunday, I learned something new from the daily reading. I learned that, “It is due to [God] that you are in Christ Jesus, … righteous, sanctified, and redeemed.” 

Through scripture, friends, the gym, and theology, I am learning to become a better person. While I am still far from perfect, I can say that I no longer hide behind the shell of my clothes. I am not saying that good style is bad in any way, or that you shouldn’t express yourself. However, I am telling you that using physical objects to contribute to your self-worth will not work in the long run.

The best thing to do is figure out who you are and what you think is right, then go out into the world and you will meet others who think you, as a person, is good. In this way, you may surround yourself with people like Jesus surrounded himself with followers of God in the Gospel reading. Through religion, you can connect with those around you.

Thank you for listening to me, family. God is with us. Love others as much as Jesus loves you.

Max Myers, JDCHS Class of 2027