Love Yourself, Or Nobody Will by Ania

Love Yourself, Or Nobody Will by Ania - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

The most important lesson I've learned from a teacher is to love yourself regardless of what anyone says.
Carrying this lesson has helped me to attain the academic, social and professional success I have experienced thus far.

Growing up in a predominately Caucasian school district and being the only African American in every class took a toll on my self-esteem. I recall so vividly my year in 4th grade. I was sad, unhappy with how I looked, and so desperately wanted to look like the other girls in my class. I hated my hair, the color of my skin, and how I looked. Boys didn't like me and many of the girls made fun of me and said I was "so dark" or that I was ugly.

My teacher, Mrs. Schlifman noticed how sad I was and took the time to talk and listen to me. I explained what was bothering me, that I wanted friends, and how I hated being Black. It was then she stopped me and told me that I should never hate who I am. She explained to me that I was just as beautiful as anyone else and if I wanted people to like me I had to first love myself.

She told me to write down all the good things I liked about myself and told me to practice telling myself I love me every day in the mirror. She engaged my classmates to compliment my various hairstyles and to be more compassionate for other peoples' feelings. By taking the time to talk, listen, and explain the importance of loving myself, she was able to teach me a lesson I've carried with me my entire life.