Stepping Aside and Leaping Head First by Dajanai

Stepping Aside and Leaping Head First by Dajanai - December 2022 Scholarship Essay

In 2022, I was presented with many different interactive activities and events which required my attendance as well as participation. I wanted to attend and experience the excitement of closing out my high school years. Unfortunately, I have continued to get stuck in a vortex of mental anxiety. I find myself overthinking and critiquing every aspect of an event from the guest list and requested attire to the timeframe and location.

I allow a slew of negative thoughts and fear to overtake my psyche to the point where I no longer want to participate. Sadly, I have not shown up to experience majority of the Senior affairs thus far this Fall semester. As the year ends, I realize I am doing myself a disservice by standing in my own way when it comes to collecting these final high school memories.

For 2023, I am dedicated to stepping aside and leaping head first into the plethora of celebrations slated to wrap up such a monumental time in my life. I will ensure I not only attend the events, but I will also engage with my colleagues in a meaningful way. I am my biggest cheerleader. As a result, it is important I now learn the power of replacing doubt with hope and a sense of gleeful anticipation going into the next stages of my life.