Opinions are the future by Lily

Opinions are the future by Lily - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

Opinions hold power. From the opinions I hear on relationship advice podcast episodes, to TED talks about women being undermined in the medical field, or a public speaker sharing a speech about health care, opinionated people hold power. I hope to dedicate my undergraduate career to listening and advocating for my opinions. However, I want to learn how to support disenfranchised groups by simply listening.
When my mom first came to the United States, she disliked Philadelphia. Compared to Nigeria, it was cold and scary. She felt all types of emotions: scared, alone, panicked, and unprepared. Nonetheless, she stayed because she believed in the importance of education. Shortly after, she met residents of Philadelphia who had lived there their whole lives. As she formed a relationship with them, they began to tell her stories of their favorite snowy winter days, adventures in Chinatown, and the hidden gems within the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Story after story, she found herself falling in love with Philadelphia.
I believe that there is merit in the openness to learn from others. I yearn to understand assertive leaders along with those with meek voices who feel let down by greater systems at play. Both groups have unique experiences that will help me to provide service to the world. If my mother had not opened herself to the idea of listening, then she would not have spearheaded change during her time in Philadelphia.
Those who cannot put their pride aside and lend an ear to others will not be successful. Everyone deserves a voice, I want to be a voice of my generation. In the clubs I join, I have leaders around me who shape me to be who I am and who I will be like girl up or what I want to join, the social justice club in Temple University. Like my mother, listening to the voices and opinions from those around me motivates me to speak up as well.