Discomfort Unlocks Growth by Jonathan

Discomfort Unlocks Growth by Jonathan - November 2018 Scholarship Essay

The senior quote I would formulate for the yearbook would be, “Discomfort is the catalyst of growth; don’t be afraid of it, harness its power.” I used to be an extreme introvert, especially in my junior high years. Stepping into senior year has brought many trials and challenges my way. I was elected to be Student Body President at my school, and with that great power does come great responsibility, but also great discomfort. Making business calls is uncomfortable. Being the center of attention is uncomfortable, especially for an introvert. Approaching higher-up faculty members about things that need to be changed around the school is uncomfortable. But, through this discomfort, I have grown to become a leader in the different environments I am placed in. The people that elected me to be their leader are depending on me. I am a leader in my youth group, a captain on my soccer team, and a senior class officer. All of these things require discomfort of some sort. Do you think iron is comfortable in the blast furnace? No, but when it is taken out, the finished product is one of the most common symbols for strength. Do you think it’s comfortable for carbon and coal to go through a phase of incredible pressure and intense heat? No, but the diamond that forms through the process is one of the most valued stones on earth. It isn’t comfortable going through pain, but pushing through it and putting yourself in uncomfortable situations is what causes you to grow. It wouldn’t feel nice to be stretched like clay and put in a furnace, but the beautiful piece of pottery formed from it is sought after by many. When a person is tested, they either crumble under the pressure, or break through victorious. This quote shows that I have been a victim of discomfort’s pressure, and I have survived through it and am growing in it. I have come out the other side wiser, and I want to help people face their fears because “The best things in life are found on the other side of fear”- Will Smith. My quote shows that I have proven to be resilient in the face of fear and discomfort. I am wiser knowing that growth comes through discomfort. I now have my whole life to harness the power of discomfort and grow more and more each day.