Overcoming Adversity by Emi

Overcoming Adversity by Emi - May 2022 Scholarship Essay

I am so grateful to be able to say that my personal struggles with anxiety and depression have guided my future goals and aspirations. Before accepting that I needed help, I somehow managed to do well in school, build relationships, and live a successful life in the eyes of the world. However, I have now realized that I was just surviving. I didn’t know what it meant to live the life I am beginning to live now. During my journey of self-discovery, I was able to dig deep inside myself and learn what I actually care about. Without the help I needed, I never would have discovered my passion for nature and psychology. With this in mind, I hope to someday be a beacon of hope in people’s lives and in doing so, ultimately cultivate a stronger relationship between nature and humankind.

My recovery experience inspired me to see the world beyond myself. It ignited newfound compassion for others. By being aware of my own struggles, I realized that everyone has suffered and may still be suffering in their own way. I was able to open my heart to all beings of the world despite their personal background or circumstances. I could see that it was possible to make a difference in others’ lives. With this new insight, I developed a passion to provide for others by being grateful for my unique experience in my own life.

If I was never given the opportunity to recover, I likely would not have ever discovered my authentic self. My journey started by observing nature and embracing my place in it. Through this journey, I redefined what beauty meant to me. It changed from an idealistic idea of perfection to the raw and organic aspects of life that reflect strength and serenity. As I continued to heal, I began to see the value in living in the moment and accepting life’s struggles for what they are. My connection to nature helped me to be grateful for every moment and to stay in the present. Nature doesn’t worry about what they will become. With this realization, I could let go of who I thought I should be and what I should become and instead start cherishing my authentic self from each moment to the next. In the future, my aspiration is to help others like me discover and embrace their authentic selves in a world of standards and expectations through the combination of nature and therapy as I did.