“Confidence doesn’t come from always being right — it comes from not fearing to be wrong.” —Peter T. McIntyre
It’s hard to believe we’ve already made it to the second six weeks of the school year! Honestly, that’s kind of wild. Congrats, Texans: we’re doing it. Somehow.
But lately, I’ve noticed something different in the halls. The energy seems a little off. People seem tired, maybe even a little unsure of themselves. Confidence seems to be in short supply.
It’s true that, after the 2024 presidential election, morale around the country has dipped. The current social and political climate hasn’t helped either. But as President Ronald Reagan once said in his 1986 “A Time for Choosing” speech, “Let us challenge young Americans, excited by technological and material progress, to ensure that this progress enriches political freedom and human dignity as well.”
That quote captures the spirit of National Youth Confidence Day, celebrated every October 20th. It’s a day that reminds us of the importance of believing in ourselves and supporting one another.
This day is a reminder that confidence isn’t something we’re simply born with; it’s cultivated through support, experience, encouragement, and trust. The day celebrates the youthful spirit, the resilience in growth, and the unique qualities each young person like us brings to the world.
National Youth Confidence Day was founded by Tiffany R. Lewis, CEO of the Confident Girl Mentoring Program, according to the National Day Calendar. She wanted to create a platform that reinforces the value of self-belief in youth and to build a framework of positive mentorship and guidance. Read more about her and the conception of National Youth Confidence Day here.
But why does youth confidence even matter?
- Resilience in adversity: Confidence helps us bounce back when we totally mess up. Everyone makes mistakes — the trick is learning from them.
- Voice and agency: Confident people speak up and get involved. You can’t lead if you’re too scared to say something.
- Mental health & well-being: When you believe in yourself, life just feels a little less overwhelming.
- Strong leadership: We’re the future (whether we like it or not), so we might as well start acting like it.
If we want to create a confident generation and celebrate voices, efforts, and courage, we need to remove the structural and cultural barriers that undermine self-belief.
What can you do?
This October 20, you can do more than celebrate. You can believe in youth, walk alongside them, and create environments where they can confidently grow.
- Share inspiring stories: Post something about someone you admire. Or yourself! Why not? Use #NationalYouthConfidenceDay and see who notices.
- Offer mentorship & listening: Be someone that others can talk to. You don’t have to have all the answers — just being there counts.
- Build confidence projects: Do something creative — host a poetry night, draw, write, or even do karaoke. Trying is the point.
- Celebrate publicly. Go ahead, make it a thing! Clubs, teachers, groups — celebrate each other in any way that makes people feel seen.
When you invest in youth confidence, we invest in a future full of resilient, empowered, creative, and courageous leaders.
Happy National Youth Confidence Day — may it be a reminder to believe in yourselves and help others do the same. And if you ever need to talk, reach out to one of our counselors here at W B Ray High School. Support is just a conversation away.
