Be Involved by Katie

Be Involved by Katie - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

Have you ever felt like a big fish in a small pond? How about a little fish in a big pond? From first grade until ninth grade, I attended a small charter school, Queen’s Grant, in Mint Hill, North Carolina. For eight years, I was surrounded by the same people- with the exception of a new kid, or two. Everyone at Queen’s Grant felt like a big fish in our small pond, and I enjoyed the feeling. I also enjoyed the numerous friendships I’d developed through clubs, and sports teams. I never thought I would have to experience being a small fish in a big pond; until the summer of 2011.

It was a typical hot July day in Mint Hill with air conditioners blasting, and swimming pools calling your name. I walked downstairs to grab lunch, and heard my mom yacking on the phone with her friend (also typical). Except this time, they weren’t talking about which home project to start next; they were talking about transferring me to a new school. Not just any school, Independence High School-a public school with more than 3,000 students; you could imagine my anxiety. I was so angry with my mom for making a decision that would affect me, without even taking my opinion into consideration! I fought the idea so much- from hiding the transfer paperwork, creating a presentation on “why I shouldn’t have to transfer”, to hiding in my closet on the first day of school. My sophomore year of high school was miserable, because I made it that way. I was nostalgically wondering how different things would be if I was still at Queen’s Grant. My sophomore year was the first year since I was four, that I didn’t play a sport, simply because I refused to engage in the opportunities Independence offered, and I thought I was “too cool” for school spirit. Junior year, I realized I had two more years of high school left, so I needed to make the best of it. I become involved in the Academy of International Studies [AIS] program, joined the Interact Club, got a job, joined the lacrosse team, was selected for an internship, attended various sports games and theater performances, and I was chosen to become a member of the DREAM Team. I met my some of my best friends, teachers, and boyfriend from becoming involved. I was still involved with Queen’s Grant too, as a volunteer, and a co-coaching the cheerleading team.

To incoming freshman, my advice to you is to become involved. Become involved with your school, church, community, theater, JROTC, band, sports, clubs; anything you’re passionate about. It’s a wonderful way to push yourself outside of your comfort zone; which is necessary to grow as an individual. You’ll find out what activities you enjoy, which activities you don’t enjoy, you’ll discover your strengths, weaknesses, and opinions. Whether you’re a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond, becoming involved is a sure way to make the most of your high school career.