Breaking Out of My Shell by Jaleya

Breaking Out of My Shell by Jaleya - May 2022 Scholarship Essay

As a kid, I had always lived near the beach. I truly enjoyed visiting the sand and waves each week, and I felt as though I was meant to work in or near an ocean. As I grew older, I realized it was not as realistic as I made it out to be and I lost interest in a career by the sea. But one thing remained, I believed the ocean was my calling.

To maintain the relationship I had with the beach, I discussed with a close friend what I could do that combined both my love and a realistic career. Near the end of my freshman year, this friend and I founded the Oceanography Club: a place where fellow high schoolers could meet to gain more knowledge about our five oceans. We studied long and hard and as the school year progressed, we recruited two other members, just enough to participate in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). Before, when we were just brainstorming, one of our advisors mentioned it, but I brushed it off, never really believing that participation was attainable. Once we got the minimum number of club members, they heavily urged us to participate, but I struggled to come to terms with it. Doing things I am uncomfortable with unsettles me, as it does with most people. With the NOSB, I was going in blind and I was anxious: I was certain we would fail and I despised failure.

Just as I predicted, we did not win our first bowl; we did not even place anywhere near the top 10. But for some reason, I did not mind at all. On the drive home, I understood that the NOSB was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that I should memorialize it. The process of learning was tedious at times, but with the team of friends I had made, I realized it was not as bad as I exaggerated it to be.

Reflecting on my actions, I did critique myself in the car (why didn’t I push the buzzer sooner? or why did I second guess myself?), but I congratulated myself as well (you did something new today, escaping from conventionality!). I did not always answer the questions on time, but I successfully went through a new experience with people whom I created long-lasting relationships with. I tried something new and truly enjoyed it. I even wanted to do more novel experiences: something I never thought would happen till decades later.

The skill that consistently swirled around in the back of my head was wanting to further my character development by trying something new. For far too long I participated in familiar activities or only talked to people I have known for years. On this trip, I was able to connect with people from all over the east coast. Some of the friends I made, I still talk to, to this day. Now, I am no stranger to public speaking or competitions. I cannot wait to see what new experiences college has in store for me.

Ironically, I relate this event to the ocean. If looking through a gloomy lens, the ocean is a dangerous place full of daunting creatures and unforgiving waves. With rose-colored glasses though, the ocean is beautiful and full of blossoming life. This lesson can be spun back around on virtually anything.

Because of the NOSB, I have now made a conscious effort to be adventurous and explore different options. I will admit, sometimes I do revert back to my old ways and stick to familiarity. But I will not be discouraged, because trying again is what makes me human. Trying again is what makes me, me.