Anxhelo Mara - What is one piece of advice you'd give to younger students? - A note to my siblings by Anxhelo

Anxhelo Mara - What is one piece of advice you'd give to younger students? - A note to my siblings by Anxhelo - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

As a senior in high school and the first child in the family to go to college, I have become a pilot for my siblings. I am the one that will make the mistakes so my younger siblings will avoid them in their futures, and I will be the one to give them advice when the time comes for college. My advice to them now as they enter high school would be to master the concept of disciplining oneself, along with finding that balance between Schoolwork and being a kid.
In the 8th grade, I took my academics so seriously that I skipped lunch to stay on top of my work. Back then, four high school level honors classes was an extreme load to maintain for your typical 8th grader. I was so focused on my work that I stopped caring about my health. I lost a lot of weight, I grew tired easily, and I became a pale skeleton of who I was. Coffee surged through my veins, slowly replacing my blood as I transformed into this academic machine and became a shell of a human. Never forget that you are not a machine. Yes, you must get your schoolwork done, but downtime is equally as important.
This downtime can be used to discover more about yourself. I’ve learned that the school system teaches the foundation to land you the majority of jobs, but it does not teach you about yourself and your interests. Schools do not teach you who you are, that is for you to learn in your downtime as you discover your interests and hobbies through the new things you try. This is all part of being a kid.
The adult world is fast approaching, and before you know it you’ll be off to college like I am right now. Enjoy the journey, and don’t stress over schoolwork like I did. Remember to discipline yourself and maintain your grades, as well as make the time to have some fun every now and then. The world is waiting!