Student's viral poem asks 'Why am I not good enough?'

Olivia Vella recited a powerful poem about insecurities for her seventh grade writing class.

Produced by LA Blake

[annikahollo]

This doesn’t even sound like a poem, it sounds like she actually meant it like REALLY MEANT IT

[heybabes]

the fact shes in middle school and is more mature then half the kids in high school are. the emotion she puts into this is astounding

[cocopiffs]

As a seventh grader, this was so relatable. Everyone tells you “be yourself” but is it really that easy?

[jajakhawla]

“they cuss and say dirty jokes, and even make fun of you. you know you shouldn’t hang out with them, but they’re popular. and you just want people to like you.” hit me hard.

[fckevrythng]

How much you wanna bet the “popular kids” were laughing in the back

[mr.danielsclassroom]

This sweet girl, Olivia, speaks so much truth. I showed this video to my 7th graders this week. Numerous girls cried as they watched, but I could see the boys wondering if they were the same: not good enough. A message to all the middle schoolers out there ... YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! Thanks so much, Olivia. You inspire me.

[MsMamatube]

I am 61.
I still carry with me the taunts, the teasing, the verbal abuse, the snickering, the name calling.
It has taken me decades to realize my self worth.

[keiraarnold]

"but society is wrong"
truer words have never been spoken...

[bren]

The dislikes are all the parents who thought she was being over dramatic

[kateplayz]

By now, she’s probably 18-19 years old. I really hope people treated her better after this, and I hope she gained confidence in herself to not care about what others think of her. I don’t know this girl, but I just know that she became successful, and will continue doing amazing things in life.

[buckbuchanan]

To write such a poem, reveals a great gift. To memorize a poem that long, reveals a sharp mind. To express it with such feeling reveals a passionate heart. To make others feel it too, reveals a true poet!

[alhecxyies]

"But society is wrong...."


Damn, it made me cry.

[pandapupsicle]

“..but other girls are looking at you wishing they were you..”

that’s deep, dude wth

[april]

As a Mom, this breaks my heart!

Everyone is so beautiful in their own way. She's incredible, keep shining!

[Ihavenohandle]

The people in my school would call u emo and laugh at u, which I don’t understand, this is beautiful

[Eva-unkm]

*This poem is basically body dysmorphia, depression, and anxiety.*

[greensexiness]

She should be a motivational speaker when she grows up

[Psychiatricnerd]

She quite literally encompasses what adolescent girls have going through their brain on any given day. It’s killing them. Anxiety and depression is killing our children. Hug and love your kids. Tell them they’re perfect.

[aimeecarrasco]

This girl is going places. She's smarter than a good half of adults and Did this make me cry? Yes

[Tehehehe]

Imagine how awkward it would be to have to present after her