Advice to My Past Self by Gabriel

Advice to My Past Self by Gabriel - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could give my past self one piece of advice, it would be to make connections with people. Relationships are powerful and can help you open doors of opportunity. Being able to communicate with anyone will take you far in life. In situations where you may struggle, someone could be there to assist you and you do the same for them. Without connections, life can be extremely challenging. Having a community around you helps you grow to be a better person in all aspects. The first and most important connections I made outside of family are friendships. When I met my friend Micah in middle school, I never thought we would become so close. But now, I see him as my own brother. We give one another advice and hang out together, hoping to improve one another. I told him about a youth program we both joined this year. We learned about how companies function and what they do. We gained valuable experience, and he even secured an internship. In addition, he helped me figure out what career path I wanted to take in life. We deliberated on what would be the best path for my future. It was through those long conversations that I found clarity about my future. Another important connection I made is with a member of my church, Mr. Fredrick. He works in IT, and I want to pursue computer science. His mentoring is extremely valuable and I greatly appreciate his support. He’s guiding me not just in my faith but also my personal journey toward becoming a young man. It’s a privilege to be seen as a good example and be encouraged to help others my age. Connections mean everything from childhood to adulthood. Knowing the right people can make life better and help you become the best version of yourself. It’s a lesson I’ll carry wherever I go.