Jennifer Daniel
Dear Society,
Jennifer Daniel. You may know her from the silly letters Jessica Danh writes to her close friends or the recurring jokes Jessica Danh makes regarding her nonexistent twin, but did you really get to know her? She’s a better version of Jessica Danh; an alter ego if you’re willing to believe so. Kind, loving, talented, and people sit there and wonder: How could she possibly stay calm during the most tense moments of life? How does she handle everyday problems so easily and efficiently? How does she take criticism so light-heartedly and turn that into feedback for improvement?
Jennifer Daniel cares. Like Jessica Danh, she gives. Unlike Jessica Danh, she knows exactly when to stop giving before it affects her reputation and status. Despite this, she loves all people and doesn’t get grumpy or tired when she’s asked to do simple to hard tasks. She’s just her, and she’s not bothered by the fact. She knows 6 languages, she likes volunteering at the local library on Saturdays, and she became a published author at 13. Who wouldn’t want to be her?
No one sees her imperfections, and from afar, her grace seems unlimited. But people don’t have good vision; many do if you’re thinking about physical vision, but no single human eye can see directly through her. That’s the problem.
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She’s impressive, I know, but what is she hiding that others can’t see? I mean, everyone thinks she’s picture-perfect. Who needs feelings when you’re the best in town?
She’s the person your parents constantly put you in comparison to. You hate her, but admire her strengths and talents. You don’t love her as a person; she’s just there, dimming and taking every opportunity you have far, far away from you. In a conversation, she never talks about herself and lets the others do it for her. How lame and self-centered is she?
You never asked how she’s doing; she’s a machine with expectations that skyrocket while you stand there in awe, jealous of her. The problem is that you hate her. You hate her so much that she’s numb to your trash talk to others trying to bring her down. She has enough on her plate. She needs a friend. Lo and behold, little does anyone know, she lacks self-worth outside of grades. She’s too afraid to tell others because of judgment. Fine, treat her like a robot and yell at her when she makes a single mistake that makes her human. Jennifer Daniel: Society, you wonder why she’s so emotionally strong, but you’re the one who’s wrong.
Sincerely,
Jessica Danh
