Judgement Free Zone by Alyssa

Judgement Free Zone by Alyssa - September 2022 Scholarship Essay

Freshman year, I walked into my first pre-IB class and the teacher asks, "Are you sure you're in the right room?". My advice to past self, don't let anyone judge you before getting to know you. For the last three years I have occasionally found myself doubting my ability and self-worth. That one teacher saw long blonde hair, sports attire, and someone they deemed not smart enough to be in a high academic program.

Not only was she wrong, but I have used every chance possible to prove that my appearance does not define me and that I am worth getting to know before being stereotyped. Starting with earning an unweighted gpa of 3.95 and becoming the President of the National Honor Society and Vice-President of the Psychology Honor Society. This, followed by participating in Swim and Flag Football for the last three years.

Ultimately, freshman me would look at me now and understand my advice. That same teacher I have now had for three out of four years of my high school career. I am that same girl that I was day one and she has no idea how her words affected me. My hope is that I am the reason she doesn’t say that to the next student that walks in and doesn’t look like a typical IB student.