Patience in a Box by Danese

Patience in a Box by Danese - July 2024 Scholarship Essay

A small eye peeked through the soft, fuzzy feathers. In the corner of the box, huddled up, were six little chicks. The beginning of this year was supposed to be a relaxing break from the busyness of school; however, it turned tragic after the loss of a close family member. I did everything possible to keep myself busy and not allow myself to feel my grief. Cakes, muffins, and pies were baked as I painted and ran during the cold mornings. I was constantly on the move, but on a warm February morning, I woke up to a small white box with several holes cut in it. My father and brother had been to the tractor store and noticed a big sign saying “Sale” with tiny chicken illustrations hand-drawn on it. They decided to bring some home.
These chicks created an impact on me, teaching me the value of patience. Even before my loss, I had always struggled with patience, constantly rushing through tasks. Now, having to take care of tiny lives has challenged my usual practices. I had to learn how to stop for a while and recognize the tiny and very significant moments. Looking after them, ensuring they were warm and well-fed, taught me a brand-new point of view. This experience transformed me into someone who understands that growth has to be nurtured, requiring patience and persistence until the desired changes occur.
I decided to build a coop for the hens. At first, I didn’t know the right way to construct a good coop and create a system where the chicks had enough space to walk and grow. Along with constructing the coop, I realized how crucial preparedness and foresight were. Being filled with impatience, I made countless mistakes at every step along the way. I had to find a new way, on with i had to put in more thoughts and patience. I discovered a new joy in the journey itself, rather than feeling the pain of impatience I once thought was unavoidable.
The biggest moment came when I found the first egg. It was the size of a silver dollar and was placed in a wooden box. This tiny egg became a summary of all the painstaking work, time, and patience I had invested. Holding that egg, it occurred to me that I was growing alongside the chicks. It had been many months since they were tiny chicks in a box, and this egg was a measurement of both their development and my inner strength. The art of taking it slow, being more grateful for every step, and understanding that significant development is a product of time have been my key lessons.
These lessons will guide me in both my personal and academic pursuits as I move forward. The experience has triggered emotional growth in me, bringing calm and patience, allowing me to approach tasks in a dedicated manner and succeed in my efforts. The patience I learned from caring for six little chicks this past year has deeply influenced who I am. I have learned to slow down, appreciate the journey, and recognize that meaningful progress takes time. Both my personal and academic pursuits will be guided by this lesson moving forward. I now approach challenges with a calm and patient attitude, willing to invest the time and effort necessary to accomplish my goals. This experience reminded me that patience isn't just a virtue, but a fundamental aspect of success and growth.