My High School Experience: What Shaped Me Into Who I Am Today by Cotulla

My High School Experience: What Shaped Me Into Who I Am Today by Cotulla - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

High School. How do four years of experience and adventure in my life fit so neatly in just two words? Throughout my high school career, my involvement and participation in study abroad and my responsibilities of working and participating in a dance program has influenced me greatly, giving meaning to these two seemingly insignificant words. The impact of these experiences, the flow and vibrance of foreign places along with the excitement or mellowness of movement through dance, have shaped me into a more curious person eager to learn new things.

During my sophomore year, I was met with the opportunity to go on a study abroad trip with my Spanish classmates to Costa Rica in the summer of 2023. Despite my doubts and hesitancy at the thought of traveling so far, I decided to embark on the trip. During this exposure to a completely different culture, language, people, and geography, my eyes were opened to a world outside of my small town. The observation of different vegetation, architecture, and social interactions sparked my curiosity, along with expeditions in white water rafting, hot springs, waterfalls, and local markets. I fell in love with the colorful communities- the music and dancing, the laughter and exuberance among friends, the mystery of nature and animals, the fresh fruit and rich dishes, and the overall enjoyment of the culture and amazing activities I was able to be a part of. Through this, my desire to travel and learn languages and cultural aspects of far-away places has blossomed. A few years ago, I felt that I could have just as much fun staying in my small town than traveling anywhere out of Texas, but I now know that it is not only the enticing beaches or aesthetic cities around the world that are the main appeal, but the wonder of the unknown and different ways of life that hold treasures of traditions and unity among a community of people in an environment that holds marvels and secrets.

Unlike my experiences traveling across the world, one constant throughout my high school career (and many years before) has been my involvement in dance. Dance has always been a big part of my life, through teaching and participation, and has taught me so many lessons that I am grateful for. I have engaged in many dance-related activities, and while it can be tough to be in this sometimes high-stress environment, the joy and enrichment that comes from different movements through various sounds is more than enough for it to be my focus for all of these years. The way I have seen others move in a way that is silky smooth, incredibly sharp, or evenly-tempoed, confounds me and encourages me to explore all that the art form has to offer. Along with the actual activity of dancing is the component of performing that ignites an interest in me. It is one thing to go through the movements, but is a completely separate one to actually perform. Performing requires emotion, whatever it may be, and the energy of putting everything you have into a piece. These different components of emotion and determination make the difference between a mediocre and sensational performance.

The time period of life which I will soon label as “High School” will hold so many lasting memories that I will take with me for the rest of my life. Dance was my first sport, job, and passion. My study abroad trip to Costa Rica opened my eyes to a whole new world of ideas. Both of these events have shaped me into a more curious person in the pursuit of knowledge, and I hope that as I leave this chapter of my life, this quality and all of my adventures, stay prominent and keep me the best version of myself.