Childhood is a formative period when societal expectations and systemic barriers shape our identities and influence our lives. Part 1: Student Letters on Childhood Resilience features five heartfelt letters highlighting the resilience of individuals who navigated adversity at a young age. Taylor Hosea’s letter, “Dear Younger Self,” uses the metaphor of a butterfly’s transformation to explore self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of embracing authenticity and resisting societal pressures. Karis Wortham, in “Dear Shy Girl,” reflects on her journey to find her voice as a young Black girl and shares her growth in agency and self-confidence. Jennifer Brown’s “Birthday Girl” contextualizes her family’s struggles with addiction and her own challenges as a teenage parent. Sara Ruth Robles’s “Sincerely, Present Me” celebrates her younger self’s resilience through nurturing relationships and a growth mindset. Lastly, John Cruz’s “Past Me” reflects on privilege and the journey to use his social and racial position to advocate for marginalized communities. These narratives collectively demonstrate how childhood resilience is shaped by relationships, self-love, and personal growth in the face of systemic oppression and adversity. They also underscore the importance of fostering supportive environments for children and youth to thrive.