These past couple of weeks being back in the States have been eye-opening for me. I know I have never been one of those girls that oozes self-confidence out of her eyeballs, but I never realized how much people take notice of things like this. Over the past 2 weeks, I have had 3 different people tell me how much self-confidence I am lacking, one of them even setting their goal for this next semester to improve my self-confidence. It's very interesting, and mind-boggling, for someone else to tell you that their personal goal is to better another person. I think we all (in theory) want to help other people better themselves, but how many actually make it a personal goal? I have always worn feelings on my shoulders, but never knew I was basically an open book for all to read. Just never thought people really paid that much attention (besides you guys, Mom and Dad). On one hand, there are things I am extremely confident about, while on the other, I would rather bury myself in a hole than deal with the things I know I am not the best at. All of this is coming at a very convenient (or perhaps inconvenient) time, having just found out that I am a mentor this semester for the new grad students. This basically means that I will have a new GTA in my room everyday observing the way that I teach. I am not sure why I have been chosen into this position, and am flattered, but at the same time, I am petrified to have my every move on display for constant critique. One of the questions that I faced while in Guatemala was "What is my purpose in being on this trip?" Since getting back, I have been looking at my daily life in the same way. Maybe this next semester is meant to be a confidence-building time in my life. At least that is what I am hoping for. It will either build me up, or it could completely break me down. Let's just say, I need all the prayers I can get.