The Art of Being Proud by Emily

The Art of Being Proud by Emily - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

"Of course these classes will matter in three years!"

That's what I wish someone would've yelled at me when I was a freshman. I've always been a good student, but as I fill out college application now that I'm a senior, I hate typing that 3.89 in the GPA box. It could've easily been a 4.0. When I was a freshman though, I told myself, "I'm allowed to get one B a semester." Finally, in sophomore year, I realized that a B a semester wasn't enough for me. I hated those B's! Of course, those are just my goals. If I could give one piece of advice to a freshman, I would tell them to get whatever grades they'll want three years from now. They don't need A's. If they just want to pass their classes then great! Work as hard as you can for D's and C's. Don't let yourself fail a class. Be proud of what your grades are!

Another thing I want every freshman to know is that you need to be yourself. It might seem cliche, but trying to be more like someone else to fall in with a group, or even have more in common with the girl or guy you want to be friends with, will not be the best for you in the long run. You want people who accept you for you, or they will never be your true friends. You'll meet plenty of people who have things in common with you or accept you for who you are and what you like. My best friend and I are nothing alike, but we understand each other and are always there to help the other and be there for them. The only way you can find people like that is by being exactly who you are, even if you're scared or embarrassed. I was afraid to wear dresses for the first two years of high school! I thought people would laugh. Once I told myself that I was going to be exactly what I wanted to be (and wore dresses just about every other day) I actually did lose friends. They're people I don't miss at all, because the fact that I like to wear dresses shouldn't be a factor in a friendship. Do you want people who will turn on you because you look "too girly" now? No. They were never really friends.

So be proud of who you are and what you do! Make yourself proud!