Invaluable Lessons by Jenaye

Invaluable Lessons by Jenaye - March 2014 Scholarship Essay

Having older people in my life taught me a lot of things. My older sister and I would play school and I always enjoyed learning new things from her. My mom shared the importance of memorization, articulation, eye and hand coordination, and a lot of things I realize most children do not learn at such a young age. My grandpa, a junior high math teacher, taught me math concepts as soon as I could apply them to my life. My family members are always teaching me right from wrong. Coming from a family of teachers has had a great impact on my beginning.

As a 4-year-old Head Start student, I was excited to obtain knowledge. Playing most of the day, making friends, having fun at school was an exciting introduction. After the first few days of getting used to daily school routines, my teachers noticed my advanced skills. They encouraged my mom to have me tested for academic abilities. I tested into mid-kindergarten, scoring high on each assessment.

This single event showed me I am talented and smarter than even my own expectations. I have carried this ability throughout my elementary and junior high years. Getting on the Principal’s List and Honor Roll built my self-esteem. Achieved medals, certificates, plaques, and trophies were displayed at home in our showcase. Accomplishment was my main goal and I aimed for just that. As I got to my final year of junior high school though, I started hanging with the wrong crowd and lost sight of my educational endeavors.

As an 8th grader, I was disinterested in school and did not want to attend at all. I got into a lot of trouble with classmates and I did not care. Ending 8th grade with minimum percentages carried out through my first couple of years in high school. Freshman year was so bad I transferred to a different school. Sophomore year was not any better; I was at the point of dropping out. At that moment in time, being a drop out was fine with me because I was supposed to be a freshman anyway. I was not the girl I used to be and was fearful I would never find her again.

I thought junior year was my year to shine but I had numerous set backs. Not even trying though, I noticed a higher GPA in comparison to previous years. Transferring away from friends who steered me away from my educational goals was the best decision I ever made. Attending Richfield High School in Utah also set my mind straight academically. Beginning my senior year with straight A’s are resulting in the best years of high school.

I have learned goals can be set early on in life but they can change with time and experiences. People I have encountered throughout my 17 years of life have shown me invaluable lessons. They have taught me that I can be successful on any path I choose so I see a bright future because I believe in me.