Don't Fall into Place. by Angela

Don't Fall into Place. by Angela - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

There is a saying, “everything will fall into place.” That is terrible advice. Here is my advice to you: now is the time things either fall into place, or you put them there yourself. What I am asking of you is to set yourself up for a successful future; success being measured in work ethic and in finding where you fit in the world. These are the most crucial years of your life, take advantage of them.

To start, I’ll use myself as an example. Compared to my freshman year of high school, my senior year was like a world away. I spent that year in South Africa living with Sotho families and experiencing racism, violence, and things most people my age, or anyone for that matter, don’t get to experience in their entire life. This wasn’t just something that happened. I worked hard and got a job within the month of turning 16, I applied to scholarships, and I made it happen. What can you take away from this? Don’t expect Mom or Dad to do it for you. You do it. If you don’t work hard for it, you won’t get it. And if you don’t work hard for it and you do get it, well, you’re pretty lucky, but you won’t deserve it, and that’s not something to be proud of. This is not a time for relaxation, this is a time to challenge yourself and work towards goals and self betterment.

Another point I want to make is that there are no give ups; you get over yourself and you work for what you want. There were many days when I went to school only to go work an 8 hour shift at McDonalds afterwards – yes, McDonalds! What could have been worse? Probably not a lot. But you want to know what’s worse than being a teenager working at McDonalds when all your friends are driving to parties in new cars their parents bought them? When you realize you don’t have any work experience and you don’t know where you fit in the world. It’s important to find your unique set of skills and go out in the world and figure out how to make yourself useful! Even if it’s just in your own neighborhood, there is always something that needs improvement, and if you make yourself the person with the right skills and attitude, you will always prosper.

Finding your place in the world is hard. This is one competitive world, and you have to make yourself the best you can be so that you come out on top. I’m hoping what you take away from this is that now is such an important time in your life to take advantage of opportunities and work towards learning about yourself or improving yourself. Now is the time that can shape your life for better or worse, so set yourself up for success, work hard, and don’t let things fall into place – do it yourself!