Writing Sample Wednesday: Ugly Duckling Syndrome

As many of you know, I am a strong advocate not only for children and families with special needs, but also for underdogs. People who don't always have the words or courage to stand up for themselves.

I know what that can be like, and there were a precious few who had the courage to stand up for me.

As I've talked about many times, characteristics like self-esteem and self-confidence are learned traits. You aren't born with them, they are taught and nurtured as one grows. And when these things...