If you could give one piece of advice to your past self, what would it be and why? by Kuan

If you could give one piece of advice to your past self, what would it be and why? by Kuan - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could give one piece of advice to my past self, I would say this: “Don’t shrink yourself just to fit in—your difference is your destiny.”

Growing up in New Orleans, I was surrounded by a city that taught me rhythm, resilience, and resourcefulness. But even in that rich culture, I often felt like I had to quiet my ideas, tone down my creativity, or play small just to survive. I now know that my uniqueness—my leadership, my style, my voice—isn’t something to hide, it’s something to lean into.

Coming to Clark Atlanta University changed everything. I realized that I didn’t have to wait to be chosen—I could choose myself. I became an Orientation Guide, I was elected Mr. Junior, and I founded a brand that speaks life into others: PERFIK Circo. I built my lane, and now I walk in it proudly, not just for me, but for every young creative who’s ever felt overlooked.

The reason I would tell my younger self this is that I wasted too much time questioning if I was “too much.” In reality, I was just enough. And that mindset shift has opened doors I used to only pray about. So now, I live boldly. And I build as I go.