10yo. I'm in a gifted and talented junior high school program. Our motto is "As and Bs because I try." The 5th floor of the 5-story school building is dedicated exclusively to us until we graduate. We are better than the "downstairs" kids, we're different and so we are kept seperate. The reminders are in every teacher/student interaction. We are praised, celebrated and validated for being smarter (better) than the others. There are endless award ceremonies because getting As was not enough, you also had to also find a way to get awareded throughout the year. The message is ubiquitous - perform at your highest level or you'll be sent to the lower-level classrooms. At an age when my body is changing, my understanding of womanhood is starting to take shape and I’m searching for my identity…I’m repeatedly told that I’m different and special
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