Change by Jenny

Change by Jenny - February 2017 Scholarship Essay

Three years ago I was affiliated with a gang, but not apart of it. I would hang out and be around them but I did not do anything bad. Although the problem were not the gang members, it was with some girls related to them. One day during practice three girls came up to me and started to fight me; I got “jumped.” It was my first time getting into a physical altercation and I had to defend myself. This caused me problems with the police, the school, and my parents. It was horrible to see the disappointment on their faces, especially for my mom. She had to deal with a similar issue with my brother and I did not want it to affect her again.
I was embarrassed because people looked up to me and I let them down. So then I realized that this was a sign telling me that I needed to change or else it would continue to affect my family and close ones. The people in the gang wanted to take revenge, but at that point I was more interested in changing myself for the better. I distanced myself away and started to be more involved in school. I joined the business club, national honor society and several sports. My family has always been important to me and I did not want to let them down.
This affected me in many ways, but I am glad I went through it. Personally, I do not regret anything that happened or the things I did because now I know what people I want in my life and the steps I have to take to accomplish my goals. Nothing good comes from gangs. Luckily for me I had my limits and was smart enough to say no, but some people do not change. The girls that attacked me did not do anything but open my eyes. It made me realize even more that I wanted to succeed academically, and for the rest of my high school years I put more time into studying. I have become physically, mentally and emotionally stronger and now know the steps I have to take to accomplish my goals.