The Early Bird Gets to Sing by Hannah

The Early Bird Gets to Sing by Hannah - January 2019 Scholarship Essay

I used to think I was a night owl. Being a teenager tends to come with that belief, and why wouldn’t it? Students collect in the hallways to brag about how little they slept the night before, how they completed all of the work of today just last night instead of sleeping like it was something to be proud of. My sister was a night owl in high school, and she still is, so I know they exist. But I, on the other hand, was whistling the wrong song back then. It all changed when, once, in a fit of frustration and exhaustion, I decided to start going to bed earlier. And now, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I was a little extreme in that first mission of going to bed early. For nearly three months I was sleeping by eight while the rest of my family stayed up without me, and I felt like I was being left out a lot. But then, every morning, I woke up feeling godly. I never wanted to be tired ever again. Not only did going to sleep earlier make me more willing to get up in the morning and put myself together, but it made me feel more productive and be more efficient throughout the day. My grades got better. My attitude improved. I picked up some new hobbies that I fell in love with. Next to realizing I was always dehydrated and learning to drink water (another common issue), learning to sleep at night and wake up early in the morning was the best thing that ever happened to me and my health. Even on weekends, when I didn’t have to get up, I’d wake up before seven just because I wanted to. I love sunshine, and making breakfast, and morning showers and early grocery shopping more than anything late nights could offer me. I love having my whole day ahead of me. It just makes me more positive to know that.

I still wake up early, but a later early than before because I’m in college now, a place significantly more merciful than high school with its hours. I still always try to get to sleep before ten, and I continue to notice all the painfully groggy people around me in my dorm and classes. I’m still getting impressive grades and I definitely still credit it to having a clear head from sleeping when I do. Learning I was a morning person was great, and you better believe I’m never going back.