You're as Good as Any, and Better Than Most
March 12th, 2025
Photo Cred: Ryan Carter
Writer: Allie Perlman
Editor: Alexa Kessler
This is the mantra that plays in my head every time I step up to face a new challenge. Each exam, interview, or experience I have to tackle, I am fueled with the power that these words bring me.
The saying stems from my grandpa, lovingly referred to as Big Dave. At 85 years old, he still practices law, is a hazardous sleepwalker, and will tell you in extreme detail about something that happened 40 years ago in his thick Brooklyn accent. Big Dave, at every family gathering, is known to share his words of wisdom; in my opinion, I would say wise words versus a slightly crazy “speech” is fifty-fifty. However, his saying “you’re as good as any, and better than most” is one of the wisest things anyone has ever told me.
My dad claims the first time he heard this saying was in 1988, when he was preparing to take his SATs. Before dropping him off at the testing center, Big Dave made sure to tell my dad, “you're as good as any, and better than most”.
The first time I ever heard these words was when I was preparing to take my high school admissions exam. I am an extreme worrier, and even after months of prep, nothing could calm my nerves. I remember the night before the test, my dad came into the room and sat me down for a pep talk. Of course, this pep talk had to conclude with the statement - “you’re as good as any, and better than most”.
This mantra is so special to me because it reinforces the absolute confidence my family has in me. These words empower me to perform to the best of my abilities, reminding me that there are always people in my corner.
Last week, my family dealt with many panicked phone calls regarding my back-to-back economics and calculus midterms rapidly approaching. Despite this, my parents continued to assure me how much they believed in me, not swayed one bit by my panic. Right before my calculus exam, I called my mom for some support. I love my mom dearly, however, for the life of her she cannot remember the words “you’re as good as any and better than most”. Oftentimes, my mom will blurt out things such as “you’re better than all of them”. When I called my mom last week, I heard her yell to my little brother in the other room to get the saying right.
I now walk through my life armed with my family’s mantra. It has taught me to be confident in my abilities and to not let the actions of others shake that confidence. Thank you to my grandpa, Big Dave, for teaching me and reminding me that I am as good as any and better than most.
