Know your "why" by Jason

Know your "why" by Jason - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

As an incoming freshman, it is important to know who you are and why you're about to embark on one of life's hardest tasks up to this point. Freshman have to deal with new people, new adventures, and last but certainly not least: the fact you're going to have to grow up. These are difficult tasks, but with advice from knowledgeable people who have endured it before, it seems easy.

Entering the realm of high school is a difficult position to be in. Often times most don't know you and you don't know them. You often find it is easier to start with a blank slate with most people because you obtain the ability to dictate their viewpoint on you. Like the old saying goes, "First impressions are everything.", I can attest to the fact often times this only applies to your fellow student body. After a while, that opinion disintegrates. Meet all the new people you can. Make all the new friends you can make. Preferably ones with the same life goals to be successful. Teachers and staff members included because if you can get people to notice your friendly and sunny disposition, they get infected with that disease also. It is also imperative to get involved as soon as possible. Find a role and run with it; people will respect you for that and you'll earn trust and respect. Remember find your "why", your objective or goal.

When you get to high school, you find there is always something going on. Be adventurous and have fun: you only get to live this part of your life once. Try to get people to go with you and make memories. After all, the work you had to do and how you felt doing it will subside, but the memories you make with your peers will last forever. Have fun in your own way regardless of what others think. Keep your "why" close and always be working toward it.

High school is naturally meant to be a fun time in a young person's life. But soon you'll realize it's not all fun and games anymore. There is things in life that are more important. This is what you have strived for your entire high school career. This is where your "why" comes into play. "You get out of life what you put into it." Work and work until you cannot do it anymore, and then grab another gear and work some more. This will get you far in life because you soon become harder to please and you'll push yourself harder. You'll use your "why" for the rest of your life, keep it close and cherish it. Make it a reality and run with it.

High school is about finding who you are and growing within yourself. Remember, grow everyday in a positive way. If you aren't moving forward and making progress to where you want to go and who you want to be in your walk along the road of high school, than you're moving backwards: away from your "why".