Everyday Success by Emma

Everyday Success by Emma - August 2022 Scholarship Essay

My personal hero, Fred Rogers once said, “I really think that everybody, every day, should be able to feel some success.” I used to think I would feel successful once I reached a certain point. Earning my diploma and earning my bachelor's degree; I felt like these would bring me success. I graduated high school in 2016. I participated in three different clubs and was the leader of one of those clubs. I earned my test scores and felt on top of the world as I threw my graduation cap into the air. However, that "high" feeling was not to last.

I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder later that year, just as I was beginning my freshman year of college. My life became a haze, and the semester I had hoped would be the start of an amazing college career, ended with a hospital visit. I returned home and tried to get back on my feet. I worked so hard to get back to school but kept failing. I ended up being diagnosed with OCD, and Bipolar Disorder. It took many visits with therapists, doctors, and different treatments to finally get me stabilized. Every day isn't perfect, but I'm proud to say that I'm trying my best.

I'm 24 years old and a college freshman with 12 credits to my name. A few years ago, I would have been devastated to hear that. I haven't lowered my expectations, I've adjusted my perspective. So, an academic goal I have for this year is to simply pass my classes and prove to myself that I can finish a semester. I want to prove to myself that my hard work has paid off. Some may say that this is a small goal; that anyone can do that, but for me, it's a big deal. I'm proud of myself and my definition of success has changed. I'm excited to pursue this goal of finishing my first semester back from mental health recovery.