Catalina Benavides is a first semester graduate student in the Master of Arts in Teaching English program. Benavides wrote a love letter to herself in the form of a poem. 

You’ve been through it. 

You’ve seen it all at this point. 

You’ve built yourself up from the shattered pieces of a painful past.
You’ve pushed yourself forward despite all odds.
You’ve embraced every part of your uniqueness because we call nothing a flaw, honey.
Your mind is as sharp as the glass ceilings you have and will shatter.

You’ve triumphed over unimaginable challenges.
You’ve fought for your dreams day in and day out because no one can steal those from you.
You’ve accomplished goals that have made your ancestors proud.
Your smile is as bright as the morning sun that wakes everyone up to a new beginning. 

At this very moment in time, you are the best version of yourself. 

Yourself. 

Look at yourself. Really look at yourself.
I see you now. Before, I saw someone I didn’t know. 

Hear yourself. Really hear yourself.
I’m listening now because before, the sound of my faint voice was unfamiliar.

Love yourself — every line, curve, the surface area of your sacred temple.
Really love yourself — you’re the only person who can love you best. 

I need you to say this with me — you are:
Linda. Beautiful. Fuerte. Strong. Única. Unique.

You.

Inspire me.