Thankful for opening my eyes by Hector

Thankful for opening my eyes by Hector - November 2020 Scholarship Essay

In middle school, I had a particular identity. Everyone knew who I was; I was “Hector, the small kid.” During this time, it had no effect on me, people knew who I was, not because they knew me, but mainly because I was 4’9 in the 8th grade.
Going into my first year of high school, with extra credits following me, put me in upper level classes with upperclassmen. This led to me making friends with people that were not in my grade level; I was now known as, “Hector, the smart kid.” Continuing my years, in my sophomore year, I became so invested into band and that became part of me. I fell in love with music more than ever because the feeling that adhered with me as I hear or play music. I was now, “Hector, the band kid.” Because I put so much time into the band, it has awarded me the spot of Drum Major my Junior year. As I’ve been given that position, I began to put my leadership to the test and ran for a class officer position--President. I began campaigning with help from peers who each knew me for different reasons. With their help, I acquired the title; Junior Class President. Now, some people knew me as, “Hector, the Drum Major”, and others knew me as, “Mr. President.” I felt good. It felt as though I made it, everyone knew who I was for the greater good, some didn’t even know my name but still cognized me.
Then, however, the year of 2020 hit; covid strikes, schools out, and I decide to take the opportunity to get my drivers license, get a new hairstyle, and sign up for virtual college visits and camps. As time went by, high-school was back in session--virtually. Soon enough, they allowed a fraction of kids to come back to school, I was amongst that group. But as school came up, so did firm rules. One being, only 2 people per round table at lunch. When lunch came around every day, I would sit and watch people pass me by and eventually I would stay sitting by myself. Everyday when they allowed more and more people to come to school, I would still be sitting facing the empty chair on the other side of the round table. This opened my eyes, making myself realize that no-one cares. No-one has a prejudice of what you’ve said or done, it's about how you make people feel that they remember. This idea of feeling was inherited from playing in band all these years, and it connects with what I want to pursue in-- Architecture. Because I live in a low-income community, people feel as if they live the low-income stereotype because the housing around sets the atmosphere. I believe that the design and way a building looks, can change the way a person feels. A beautiful house will make one feel accomplished, a well-designed school will make one feel welcomed, an organized design of a community will make all feel enduring success. If I can change a person's life solely by the look of a building, that's what I want to do.