Outgoing by Halli

Outgoing by Halli - November 2019 Scholarship Essay

Many of us might look back on our high school years and wonder how might I have impacted the student body at our high school? I recalled one way, that I believe, I made an impact. The way I have impacted my high school is by being my true self, which is outgoing. Befriending students that are new or maybe felt like an outcast. No matter who they were I always made sure I spoke to them and asked how their day was. As a new student at my school, for many years, I did not have friends. I struggled to fit in and make a connection with others around me. So when I got to high school and there were many new students I did not want them feeling the same way I had felt years prior. Making friends was a priority to me so I would go out of my way to welcome new students. By getting out of my comfort zone, I impacted their life, helping them to feel happy and accepted. They saw that I genuinely cared and in turn that made me feel good because when I help others, I am encouraged too. Those students made more friends because they felt welcome and confident.
One thing that is scary for every student is going into high school. If your school is like mine, it is a combination of two towns, so there were many new faces. I wanted to make it a priority every year to welcome new students, which would make their high school year better for them. Going into a different school that is bigger and with more students is very different and intimidating. The main thought that every student thinks is, “Am I going to have friends?” If everyone, no matter what grade you are in, welcomes all the new students, it would make the transition into high-school, less scary and overwhelming. So for me, knowing how it felt to not have friends going into a new school, gave me a mission. I wanted to have a heart of compassion towards the new students. Every year when those metal double doors open, my heart is overwhelmed because I know some kids are very lost and quite nervous. Lunchtime can be brutal! My friends and I will invite them to sit with us at lunch and get to know them. We want to make them feel welcomed and to know they have people at the school they can talk to.
Learning how it felt coming to a new school where friends have known each other since childhood, was very nerve-racking. Not many people made it a priority to be my friend, but there were a few that made me feel like I was somebody and that I belonged. They were the ones who were with me all throughout my high school years and for that, I am thankful. Finding a few friends who make you feel special is what made my high school journey so much fun. Knowing you can count on your circle of people is very helpful. If everyone at school would make it a priority to welcome new students, the student body would change and they would get along much better.