What National Honor Society did for Me by Gabrielle

What National Honor Society did for Me by Gabrielle - March 2014 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my life, I was constantly bullied mostly for being the brainy over-achiever. I would always try to do my best at hiding what my brain was capable of in order to gain some some type of acceptance from peers. It was not until high school, When I decided to acclaim my academic achievements rather than rebuke them. During sophomore year, I experienced one of the greatest academic achievements of my high school career,which was being inducted into the National Honor Society.

To a vast majority of my fellow classmates, being in an organization such as this one was not that big of a deal, but to me it was a great honor. For me, the membership represents my hard work and dedication to the maintenance of my high grades and good character. Walking along that stage to receive my certificate was like my pledge to continue to be a good person as well as a phenomenal student. Sitting among other students, including friends of mine, made me realize that there was no shame in being the very best I could be, and I was silly for ever having thought so. However, the greatest part about the whole thing was the proud look on my mother's face, seeing how she worked so hard as a single mother to make me into the finest person she possibly could.

One great influence the program has on me was the frequently increasing need to help others and my community, or service. In the 8th grade, I was also a member of National Junior Honor Society, and won the most serviceable award; however, being older I wanted to do even more than that. Perhaps, my most enjoyable service project was being involved in the court yard cleanup for my school. It was actually pretty fun cleaning with my friends and making our school a cleaner place. I absolutely loved the feeling of kindness it gave me doing something for people other than myself. After that event, I began doing more and more by tutoring, babysitting for free, working with dogs, helping teachers, and just helping out wherever I can.

Another great impact my membership has had on me was taking pride in my character. Throughout my life, the confidence I have had in myself has been little to none. I began to feel more confident in my abilities and began to let my competence show. I finished off that school year with a 4.0 and was not afraid to tell anyone who asked. I felt good about myself, for something, for the first time in my life; for once, I had no shame in who I was. I prided myself on being a loyal person to friends and family, as well as having the courage to be myself. The desire to be a good and honest person grew more and more with the days, and still continues to grow today.

One more great impact NHS had on me was improving my leadership skills. I began seeking to be a leader in school as well as at home. In school, I began improving my skills playing violin so that I could help other students improve as well. I begun to play out more in orchestra class, and even began leading my section when my section leader was out. By the time junior year came about, I had even gained enough confidence to play solo violin, and helped build up younger students to get to that point. In chess, I became the captain of the team, and lead the team to multiple victories. Also, I would often modeling for my younger sister. Since my mother was a hard worker and went to the hospital sometimes from heart disease, I was the one who taught my sister how to do certain things around the house. I also taught her how to be a leader in her school as well. Becoming a leader in all aspects of life really made me value myself as a person, and strive to become an even better person to look up to.

Last but not least, I was impacted by scholarship, which is the thing that has probably brought me the farthest. Grades for me are way more than just letters on a paper; they are hopes and dreams in the making. Without having pride in the grades I make, I probably would not be the college bound student that I am today, accepted into every college I applied to, and getting ready to become the first architect in my family. My grades gave me a reason to look at myself in a more confident way, and not even pay any college student I want to be if and when I get enough scholarships to attend.

I have had many academic achievements in my life, but this one by far meant more to me as a person and as an achiever than anything else. Being associated with National Honor Society has actually shaped the person I am today. Without it, I am not sure if I would have ever reached my greatest potential to be something truly amazing.