Let Your Heart Lead the Way by Katelyn

Let Your Heart Lead the Way by Katelyn - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

Becoming a high school freshman is strenuous, because there are unfamiliar faces, exotic personalities, and new friends. Although narrowing down one piece of advice for an incoming high school freshman is difficult, I will present something that I believe every human being could benefit from: the most fun you can have comes from being yourself.

Do not be afraid to expose your values, morals, and passions to peers. Release all fears you may have of fitting in and trust that you will befriend people who will echo who you are. Remember, making new friends is a sifting process. Don’t be surprised if old friends find new friends-- as this is simply the art of growing older.

Think of it like sorting through a pile of unorganized paraphernalia. It may be a long, demanding process, but in the end, you will only keep what holds the most sentimental value to you. With that being said, be sure to contemplate your choice of friends carefully.

Consider that the people you spend the most time with are typically the people who influence your state of being. If you spend most of your time with those who do not inspire you to be your best, this will only hold you back. But, if you choose to associate with people of a positive nature, odds are you will feel freer to thrive in your own skin.

In essence, your selection of friends will reflect the person you are becoming. Try to forget about buying the newest clothes or competing to be the most popular, because what matters the most is if you are enjoying yourself to the fullest (and making good grades, of course).

As long as you surround yourself with people who judge you by your character rather than a front that pleases them, you have succeeded. Allow your inner freak to fly and you will receive everything needed to succeed in high school: self-confidence, great friends, and good grades. So, go ahead. Throw yourself out there and enjoy the ride.