Freely Living by Kei-Lin

Freely Living by Kei-Lin - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

Everyone’s childhood consist of memories. Each memory symbolizes special moments or bonds shared with people. The world is constantly spinning on its axis 24/7. Time doesn’t stop for anyone. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize every opportunity that comes one's way. In the United States there are several schools that try to educate children and raise them up to go out into society. Teachers spent numerous hours trying to instill different mathematical problems and historical events in our head. Little time is spent discussing the wonders of the world and how each individual will encounter multiple scenarios that can change one’s life. As a teenager the best advice to share is to never doubt oneself's ability to impact the world.
It all starts with elementary school. Most children establish a group of friends between kindergarten through 5th grade. Many children will have similar interest, activities and hobbies with their friends and find their niche. However, there are a selective few who will feel lost and need an extra push to step outside of their comfort zone. This message is for them. There were times as a child that I would spend dreaming of becoming a singer and using my creative abilities to travel all over the world meeting different people. This would constantly occupy my mind day or dreaming about one day being on TV and becoming world known. These thoughts were big and at the same time were incredibly scary. As a child who lived in a suburban neighborhood only surrounded by middle class folks there were not a variety of talents expressed. My life seemed way to simple and basic to ever become anything great. Parents try their best to tell their child how special they are and how successful they will be, but reflecting on all of this I wish I had someone to tell me that I could one day use my abilities of singing and dancing to inspire others. Fear had grasped my life for a long time. It stripped away time that could have been used to change other’s lives. Not only was time lost, but overall happiness is not completely there if one is not following their hearts. Doubt is a horrible thing that does not deserve to be in this world. Every child should know that their definition of success will be different than others around them. All a child should do is let their talents mold and shape them.
One of Picasso’s beliefs was that every child is an artist. This statement is powerful and holds a lot of truth. Connecting to the previously discussed passion to sing and dance as a child his theory makes sense. I had the talent already I just needed to nurture it. This whole idea of discover your ability then means you need to take a risk and run with it. For example, in 2014 I was on a mission trip in Los Angeles volunteer at the Dream Center on a short term mission participating in several activities to benefit the people in the city. Before going on this trip I doubted the whole idea of myself going on a trip without my family. I have always been by their side and never ventured out on my own. Despite all the doubts in the back of my head I took the leap of faith and ended up with an experience that impacted my life as well as others. Children today should know how much they are capable of and that whatever they choose to do with their lives should please them.
We all have talents and abilities that should never be doubted. Find yourself and never look back. Not only will a spirit of happiness enter one’s mind when discovering their abilities, but others will be inspired to do great things. If one freely becomes their best self everything will fall into place afterwards.