The Lack of Pressure by Eden

The Lack of Pressure by Eden - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

I grew up in a family where 'C’s get degrees' was the accepted motto. There wasn’t pressure to excel or push beyond what was comfortable. As long as I did the bare minimum, everything was fine. Despite this, I’ve always known there was more I wanted to achieve.
From a young age, I felt a desire to challenge myself, but I never fully understood how to break free from the cycle of mediocrity. My interest in cybersecurity began in high school when I got my first taste of hands-on tech work in the school’s TV studio. It was there that I learned to see the world through a technical lens, discovering how every tiny decision could impact what people see and experience.
I became fascinated with the precision and problem-solving required in the technical world. I coasted through classes and life, taking the easy route, content with simply getting by. I never fully embraced the idea that real growth requires stepping outside my comfort zone. I kept telling myself that mediocrity was okay, as long as I wasn't failing. It wasn’t until recently that I realized that life isn’t about just riding the waves; it’s about taking them by the reins. I finally understood that true success doesn’t come from passively waiting for opportunities but from actively seeking them, even if they’re outside of my current abilities.
Now, I seek out challenges and take classes that push me to grow, even when I’m not the best or the most prepared. Because I know that true growth happens when I’m forced to stretch beyond my limits and work hard to overcome obstacles. I’m ready to take control of my own future and not just wait for the next wave, but create the one that will propel me forward.