“D-I-N-A-M-I-T-E,” I said, defeated. I knew my answer was incorrect the moment ‘I’ instead of ‘Y’ escaped my lips. I’d have to wait another entire year to demonstrate my spelling skills on a national stage. Heartbreaking as it was, I couldn’t let defeat incapacitate me. Not after my dad and I spent every night for the past eight months staying up late and reviewing the dictionary! No—next year I’ll have practiced even harder! After all, my middle school record could use some accolades. Ever since I started middle school, I’ve failed to solidify a single ‘A’ on my report card! I had to prove myself worthy of joining the high school newsletter before it was too late.