Awake and Alone by Alana

Awake and Alone by Alana - January 2019 Scholarship Essay

The sun shines through my window and interrupts my deep slumber. I stir awake and lean over to look at my clock on my bedside table. 10:00 it reads and I sigh. I immediately feel the drowsiness of sleeping in too late and stumble into the bathroom. I brush my teeth leaning on the bathroom counter and put my country Spotify playlist on to help wake me up. I regret not setting my alarm clock and waking up sooner. I’ve already wasted two hours.

I’m a natural morning person, but I don’t mind sleeping in.

I don’t fit the normal stereotype of a morning person who wakes up before dawn, but I appreciate the advantages I have once I’m awake early. I’m most productive at this time because I start my homework right away, go for a workout, or even clean my bedroom once in a while. I feel alive and ahead of the game knowing most people are still asleep.

But, I also enjoy a peaceful morning where there’s silence and I can hear my own thoughts.

Just me, my music, and nobody else.

Alone time is underrated in today’s generation, and I cherish it in the mornings. I like to watch the squirrels fight over nuts through my kitchen window and leisurely eat my pumpkin spice Frosted Mini Wheats for breakfast. I like to take the garbage out and stop to watch the sunrise above my neighbors’ house. I even look forward to cleaning the bathroom for my weekly chores.

Mornings are sometimes my favorite part of the day. The anticipation of waiting for an exciting event that day becomes even stronger. I love the satisfaction of knowing I’m up early and being productive before many people are even out of bed. It gives me comfort and reminds me that I’m ahead of my responsibilities and workload. It keeps me organized and grounded. But, most importantly, I believe it reminds me that everyone needs to spend time alone and reflect on how grateful we should be to experience this beautiful, crazy thing called life.