Something We Share by Brittany

Something We Share by Brittany - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

When I was a freshman, there was only one worry on my mind: what was everybody else doing? More importantly, was I doing it also? What could I do to blend in with the others?- to be normal? In this, my tragic quest to fit the mold, I know I was not alone. After all, that ambiguous sense of identity is one of the fundamental characteristics of the modern high school student's disillusioned existence. Despite my feeble attempts to be one of the mass, however, I cannot consider myself a victim of societal pressure to conform. It's this confident claim, dear freshman of the future, that makes you and I the same.

As I said, I struggled with my sense of self. I found myself gravitating towards those who possessed a heightened sense of ego in hopes of grasping on to some sort of platonic understanding that they had somehow acquired so readily. Unfortunately, the people I looked up to were just that: people; and all people eventually must stand the heavy stare of their own individual crucible. It's here- in the midst of personal battles and struggles- that you and I come into play.
You see, despite what superficially separates, there is a quality that each and every one of us holds deep in our hearts, and it brings us together in a way no forced circumstance can. As humans, we all have an ability to empathize with and to understand those around us. It's this earnest, innate capacity to care that sets us apart from other species and binds us to those of both the future and the past. Furthermore, it's our job to pass on this strong sensitivity to those who haven't yet realized their glorious potential. You, despite your doubts, are the perfect catalyst for this shift in selves. Yes, you are only in high school; of course, yes, you are young. But age doesn't matter, not when you're as brilliant as you are! You live in a day and age where you have a voice- use it! You have stories that no one but you can tell- share them! It's dire that you do, because every single person around you is wanting to do the same thing, but lacks the bravery and strength to do so. Be the leader you are made to be, and start a revolution. You can do it, because you are enough. You aren't alone.