Using Determination to Overcome Adversity by Kiam

Using Determination to Overcome Adversity by Kiam - May 2022 Scholarship Essay

I was starting a new elementary school after transferring from my previous school which I attended up until the 4th grade. I was bright-eyed and excited to start at this school, an environmental science-based school that was right up my alley academically.

Most of my new peers had grown up together and had been attending this school since kindergarten. When I first entered my class, the room bustled with a large group of kids all crowded together at one table, most hadn’t even placed their bags in the closet or settled into their seats. As I entered the room, it felt as if I was walking into a party I wasn’t invited to. The stares I encountered caused a wave of anxiety to rise in the pit of my stomach. Minutes felt like an eternity as I stood in the doorway staring back with an awkward smile plastered on my face. Only mere seconds had passed before our teacher made everyone settle down in their assigned seats. Then came the introductions.

I fidgeted with my fingers, tapped my foot, and did anything I could to distract myself from overthinking as the others went around introducing themselves. From the introductions it was overwhelmingly apparent that I had next to nothing in common with the other students – the other kids complained about hating school, while I loved showing up every day – and I was also one of the only black students in the class. Despite these differences, I was determined to make a good first impression. When it was my turn to speak, I cheerfully stated that I liked anime and learning about different sciences. Pleased that I didn’t botch the introduction, my inner exhale of relief was cut short by the laughing and jeering that spilled from my tablemates. The hurtful words roared around me and I felt as though I was being dissected; the other kids were critical of everything that was “wrong” with me. For the rest of my elementary to middle school experience, I was ostracized and bullied by many of my peers for being a nerd or a teacher’s pet. Since it was difficult to create a bond with the other students, I chose to immerse myself in my favorite subject, science.

On the periodic table, the noble gasses -- for instance, neon -- are unable to bond with the other elements. This is due to its valence electrons being filled. In normal circumstances, neon is colorless and is invisible to the naked eye. However, when combined with an electrical charge, it shines brilliantly for all to see. Much like neon, I felt invisible and unable to connect with my peers for most of my time at school. At times I questioned my normalcy and I even considered acting more like the others to fit in. Instead, I chose to be myself and cultivate who I am at my core, an anime-loving science nerd. Embracing my unique interests helped me to adapt to an uncomfortable situation and ignite my own personal ‘electric charge’.

During this challenging time, I relied on the skill of determination to stay true to myself. I focused on my studies and explored new ways to showcase my love of science. I created a short science video, entered projects into various science fairs, and started attending my city’s annual science festival. Over time, I began to meet other kids outside of school who shared my interests and my love for the sciences grew even stronger. Eventually, I even made friends with a few students at my school. Through the power of determination, I was able to discover my ability to deal with unpleasant circumstances, learn more about pursuing my interests in exciting new ways, and develop genuine friendships based on acceptance and respect. In many ways, determination helped me to shine brilliantly for all to see.