What Really Matters by Jeniyah

What Really Matters by Jeniyah - April 2021 Scholarship Essay

The following is advice I would like to have listened to five years ago.

The first thing I would like to have listened to, is to be nice to everyone, even those who are not pleasant. You do not know what someone else is going through and what their home life is like. Your kindness and smile can go a long way, not only for the day but sometimes even longer.

Secondly, I would like to tell the 15 year old me that the troubles you have now are very small in comparison to what is to come. When you feel troubled and your parents ask you what is wrong, answer them. Parents are actually a lot smarter than you think. It is hard to believe they were young once, but they were teenagers. It may be hard to pinpoint the problem but try when your parents ask. It will feel awkward but know your parents care more about you than you care about yourself. Friends come and go but parents will always be your parents.

And Lastly, listen to your parents. They have your best interest at heart and care more about your future than you do at this time. At this point you may not be able to see past the outfit you are wearing to school tomorrow or the weekend events. The choices you make now could affect you not only financially, but emotionally and physically for your 20 year old self.

The reality to this question is that when considering the advice I would have given myself five years ago, I am not so sure I would have listened to me.

Please consider the bigger picture and what really matters.