The Theme and Me

Youth share how they are living the words of the Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Themes

I Know My Worth

“I am a beloved daughter of heavenly parents.”

By Jihan Johnson

Photograph by Christina Smith

In many parts of Jamaica, students like me have to take an exam to get into the high school they want. My friends and I studied hard so we could all get into the best high school. When I started to doubt I could do it, my mom always encouraged me. She reminded me that I’m one of Heavenly Father’s children and that He will help me to go on the right path.

When my exam results came back, I got the highest grade I could get! I was so excited because that meant I could be with all my friends!

But I soon found out that one of my friends didn’t score high enough. We were all so sad she couldn’t come with us. But I found joy in remembering what my mom had taught me. My friend was also a wonderful daughter of Heavenly Father, and He would help her too, no matter the test scores.

My excitement faded when my friend started telling everyone that I didn’t deserve to get into that high school—that she should have gotten in instead. Most of my friends took her side and stopped hanging out with me. I started to doubt myself. Did I really deserve to get in?

I thought back to what my mom taught me: that I’m a unique child in Heavenly Father’s image.

I’m now at the new school, and I made new friends. They support me and remind me of my worth. I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter what other people say about me. I’m happy when I’m trying to be who God wants me to be—because that’s who I want to be.

The author lives in Jamaica.