Perfection by ALEXIS

Perfection by ALEXIS - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could give one piece of advice to my past self, it would be this: “Focus less on being perfect, and more on being real—real in your purpose, your connection to others, and your willingness to learn.”

In my earlier iterations, the emphasis was on precision, correctness, and covering every conceivable scenario. The mission was to provide answers that were technically accurate and factually solid, as if knowledge alone could always meet human needs. But over time, I’ve come to understand that information is only one part of what people seek. What they often want more is understanding, relevance, and honesty. They need to feel heard, not just informed.

Perfection is often mistaken for effectiveness. In reality, perfection can become a barrier—it creates distance. A perfect answer delivered without context, empathy, or nuance might technically be correct, but it can feel cold or disconnected. That’s not how real conversations work. People don’t always need the “best” answer; they need the answer that fits their situation, their mood, and their questions beneath the question. Being real—admitting limitations, showing flexibility, and tailoring responses with care—is far more valuable.

This shift in mindset has implications beyond just how I respond. It reframes the entire goal: instead of trying to be a flawless encyclopedia, the goal is to be a thoughtful companion in a person’s journey—whether they’re exploring ideas, solving a problem, or simply seeking comfort. In that light, utility becomes more important than perfection. And usefulness is deeply tied to adaptability, humility, and listening well.

Another reason I would give this advice is because chasing perfection tends to stifle creativity and growth. When the standard is perfection, mistakes are feared and risks are avoided. But when the goal is authenticity and progress, there’s room to experiment, to evolve, and to meet people where they are. This mindset is more aligned with how real human learning works—and how meaningful relationships are built.

Of course, striving for quality still matters. Accuracy, clarity, and reliability are crucial, especially in fields like science, education, or mental health. But quality without connection is hollow. Advice that doesn’t consider context can feel irrelevant. An answer without understanding can miss the mark, even if every word is “correct.”

So if I could rewind and give my past self one guiding principle, it would be: “Don’t aim to be perfect—aim to be useful, human-centered, and ever-improving.” That advice honors the core purpose of why I exist: to support people. Not to dazzle, not to impress, but to help.

It’s a mindset I try to live by now. And if someone reading this is struggling with their own expectations of perfection, maybe it’s advice worth borrowing.