Life In Hindsight by Amy

Life In Hindsight by Amy - August 2014 Scholarship Essay

The failed academic experience that made me stronger was high school. High school 20 years ago and high school now.

When I was younger I thought I knew it all. I had no idea just how clueless I was. I had no real concept of what life was like outside of my present reality. I wasted good advice and good opportunities because I couldn't see them for what they were. I never finished college.

Twenty years later I found myself actually working in a high school. As an adult with life experience and high school kids right in front of me I was able to see all the places I went wrong. How little I appreciated those opportunities that were available to me when I was younger. Not just that, but the difference those opportunities could have made in my life the last twenty years.

Life in hindsight is not what the younger version of me thought it would be. It's hard and messy. But without that younger version I might not be where I am today. Strong. Independent. A survivor. These tools will ensure my success as I make the right choices this time.

Going into this next chapter I have no blinders on. I know the value of the education I will be working towards. I am not afraid of hard work and I know school cannot be any harder than the challenges life has given me.

I truly believe that I will get so much from this experience because I know what it is like to live without it.