The One Piece of Advice I’d Give My Past Self by Keyshawn

The One Piece of Advice I’d Give My Past Self by Keyshawn - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could give one piece of advice to my past self, it would be to trust and cherish the present because every moment and opportunity exists for a reason, and once it is gone, it cannot be recovered. Although this may sound cliché, this truth has become increasingly clear to me, as well as to many young adults who often wish they could take a brief trip back in time, if only for a moment of clarity or comfort. Growing up, I rushed through life, always focused on what came next, believing that this was the safest and smartest way to move forward. I thought I was being intentional, but now that I am older, I realize that was not the case. I tried to be more mature than I was, frequently avoiding anything that might lead to failure or mistakes. At times, I would not even try, out of fear of appearing foolish.
I did not realize how deeply I would come to miss the people, places, and small moments that I once took for granted. The difficult part about nostalgia is that it reveals how the sparkle of what once was does not always return, but that is acceptable. Nonetheless, it is crucial to be present when those moments occur. I would tell my younger self to take chances, even if they seem small or uncertain, because opportunities rarely appear by accident. There is meaning in the timing. Above all, I would advise not to worry so much about what others think, as their opinions often do not matter in the broader context of one’s life. Regret is a heavy burden, but the ability to recognize what truly matters while it is still present is invaluable. I wish I had learned this lesson sooner, but I am now learning to carry it with me.