Believe in Yourself by Emily

Believe in Yourself by Emily - May 2015 Scholarship Essay

It is not uncommon to go through school having a fear of failure. No one wants to fail, but it is a necessary and normal component to success – a component that is often overlooked. Because of this fear, however, many of us become afraid to speak up in class, to voice our opinions, and to take the chances necessary to expand our knowledge. If I could go back in time and change one thing about my high school and college experiences, it would be to have gathered the confidence to believe in my capabilities sooner.

Unfortunately for me, I was usually the “quiet girl” in class. I wouldn’t have considered myself shy, but I was more comfortable listening than participating. Listening was easier because I just didn’t want to be wrong and I didn’t want to sound dumb. Often times, I would think I knew the answer to a question or I would have a really good discussion point, but I would never raise my hand. The needless doubt that I had in myself kept me from opening myself up to countless opportunities, including things related to other aspects of school life, as well, like athletics and even friendships.

It wasn’t until my third year of college that I realized how valuable confidence in oneself is. There was a group of girls in my class that always participated in the lessons. Sometimes they made great points and sometimes they didn’t. That’s when I realized that it doesn’t matter if you’re “right” or “wrong” or if anyone else understands or agrees with you, discussing, volunteering, and believing that what you have to say is relevant and important will change your academic experience, and in turn, shape you into the person you are truly meant to be.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face…we must do that which we think we cannot”. It is important to always remember that we know more than we think we do. Believe in yourself and amazing things will happen.