Listening to the Noise by Darien

Listening to the Noise by Darien - April 2026 Scholarship Essay

The world is a loud place that encourages constant motion. We are told that "action mode" should be our default setting because if you remain stationary you are falling behind; the world is constantly moving and if you don't keep up you are on your own. This creates a lot of fear and anxiety in many of us and I've definitely had my own struggles with this concept of "falling behind". As a senior in my second semester of high school, with only a few weeks left until I enter "the real world" with jobs and responsibilities, I would be lying if I said that I didn't feel panic. My life during this transition phase feels overwhelming to say the least. All these ideas and worries get jumbled in my head, my thoughts muddy and grow anxious. I begin asking questions but don't know where to find the answers. It gets so very loud, "don't fall behind in school, get your drivers license, get a job, get accepted into college, apply for scholarships, choose a career, more scholarships, keep practicing for that license, have you gotten a job yet? Did you get accepted? What career are you choosing? Do you know how to get insurance? What are taxes? I know you're tired but keep going. Keep going. Keep going. Go. Go. Go-".

I guess all this comes with the act of "growing up", it's inevitable and it won't be easy but it's possible so I shouldn't worry. But it's in times like that, when my mind is racing I grow tired by just thinking, I have to remind myself to appreciate the noise, the skill of gratitude. I get so desperate looking for silence, searching for any way to dampen the noise and avoid it. So in these attempts to reach silence, I forget how lucky I am to be hearing all this. I forget how fortunate I get to make the decision of choosing my desired career path. Aren't I lucky that I get to study driving, so that one day I'm able to go where I please? How blessed am I that I get to go to college and strive for a career that could support me and my family. I forget that my struggles have solutions, that they are temporary, and that I'm lucky to have them. I have to practice my gratitude. I recognize my privilege but I wish to refine this powerful skill of gratitude. I believe that the power of perspective can take you far and this is what I wish to master.

On a recent morning I sat up after waking and began thinking, "Okay, gotta get to class and finish that math assignment from yesterday. I also have to continue my driving course today and I should stop delaying the search for scholarships.". My thoughts got interrupted when I heard birds chirping. My open window was allowing soft, gentle morning breeze to enter and refresh my face. The sun rays glistened on my cat's fur as it slept beside me, so comfy and carefree. For the first time in a while, my spirit felt light and I was appreciative that I have the opportunity to work through these challenges. This morning made me realize I do have power in how I approach this. The practice of gratitude can help me appreciate this noise, not silence it.

If there is any skill I hope to master within these new chapters of my life, is to allow the noise to coexist through a lens of gratitude. See these struggles for what they truly are, a blessing and something to be thankful for. I understand I might get irritated or tired of it, but I never want to poison my mind with that idea that my challenges and struggles are something to mute and take for granted. Through therapy I have been told the benefits of journaling but I've never truly listened, but I plan to change that. I've now picked up the habit of journaling, it's not very consistent yet, but when I do, it's done with full intention and I feel better afterwards. This morning I woke up happy and productive. I finished many assignments, a few exams, studied for an upcoming test and when I looked at the time it was still morning. This filled me with joy and I've felt productive and happy, two things I am grateful to experience during these stressful moments. I know the noise will forever remain but mastering this skill of gratitude will shape me into the person I hope to become.