A Message of Advice to an Incoming Freshman by Madison

A Message of Advice to an Incoming Freshman by Madison - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

Only a year ago you were in the eighth grade. You were among the oldest in middle school, and the young sixth grade students marveled as you strong past them in the hallway. Now, you have been promoted to high school, and knocked down to the bottom of the food chain. The upperclassmen tower over you and wag their car keys inches from your face. Teachers ask more challenging questions, and your textbooks have mysteriously grown twice as thick as your bulkiest textbook from middle school. You might feel like a Beta fish at Sea World as you find your way through this unfamiliar territory.

The whole experience will most assuredly be overwhelming, but don’t allow it to intimidate you. It is by far easier to let fear overcome you, and watch your first year of high school slip through your fingers. Remember that success does not come comfortably, so fear is no option.

Just because you might think you’re feeble and insignificant as a freshman, does not mean that your first year of high school is as well. In fact, freshman year sets a foundation for your entire high school career. You can either tolerate fear, or counter it with confidence. Seize every moment with care and initiative, so that these next four years of your life will be exceedingly prosperous. Before you know it, you will be handed a college application and a graduation schedule and wonder where the time has gone.