Lesson Learned by Alexa

Lesson Learned by Alexa - February 2017 Scholarship Essay

Sixteen, an age that movies, music, and television all glorify due to a young person’s coming of age. One’s sixteenth birthday celebration sticks in their mind like the stars to the sky, and because of its importance, I vowed to attend my best friend’s sixteenth birthday celebration ,no matter what. For weeks we worked to coordinate our outfits, create a music playlist, and choreograph a surprise dance performance. Our excitement was tangible. It was going to be the party of a lifetime.

Some time later, I received a phone call from a promoter, who requested me to perform at an event on January 15th, the same day of my best friend’s birthday party. Without hesitation I accepted the gig, knowing in the back of my mind that my friend, being one of the most important people in my life would be forgiving, understanding ,and most importantly, excited for me and the opportunity I was presented with. As the days drew nearer, my friend’s mood and attitude was under constant watch, just to make certain that my absence from her party would be accepted. Everything was normal. We hung out as usual, chatted in the school hallways, and continued to plan her party, even though I would be absent.

On the morning of January 15th, I sent a lengthy “happy birthday” message to my best friend and traveled out of town for my performance. I didn’t receive a response, but assumed that she was consumed with party preparations and went about my day. I arrived at the venue, prepared for the show, and hours later, had one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Eager and anxious to catch up with my friend and learn about her celebration, I sent her a text message.

“How was your party?” I questioned. “I hope it was as good as expected.”

“Don’t be concerned now,” she replied. “I thought you were my friend, but now I know otherwise.”

I fell speechless. I knew immediately that she was disappointed, I knew that I couldn’t be upset, and I knew that I had to do something to attempt to make it up to her. She was one of my closest friends, and I was determined to not let a selfish mistake ruin our friendship. After much convincing, we settled for an outing at the mall, where I was given the opportunity to explain myself, apologize, and promise to never make the same mistake again. Though we had a wonderful time, my friend contained a bit of uneasiness, understandably, and the weight of my failure was reemphasized. I thought that I was taking advantage of an opportunity, but in reality, I acted selfishly and disappointed more people than I pleased. Because I didn’t keep my word, I failed. Because I was absent in one of the most important times in my friend’s life, I failed. Because I lost my friend’s trust, I failed, and because I allowed my own ambitions to get between myself and a wonderful friend, I failed.

From that experience, I learned the true value of friendship and the definition of being a real friend. The individuals that you surround yourself with form who you are and ultimately, who you will become. Clearer than ever I see that they should be treasured and treated fairly. Promises must be kept, and having supportive people in your corner only means that the favor should be returned. I failed and made a terrible mistake, but because I was able to work through it, I am a much better friend now.

Today, my friend and I talk almost daily, and we continue to create playlists and choreograph fun dance pieces. I nearly ruined our friendship but am thankful to know that mistakes are not permanent as long as the necessary steps are taken to move forward.