Time to Live by Marisol

Time to Live by Marisol - February 2022 Scholarship Essay

In life everyone makes mistakes. The great thing about mistakes; however, is what we learn from them. Personally, I have made countless mistakes in my life that have made me angry at the moment but have allowed me to reflect on those actions so I don’t commit them in the future.

I call these mistakes learning lessons.

One of my most valuable learning lessons was when I was seven years old, and I gave my brother a sketchbook that I didn’t use anymore. I regretted my decision instantly and when I asked for my sketchbook back, my brother said: “No, you already gave it to me and when you give something to a person you can not ask for it back.”

Although I lost my sketchbook, I gained the insight to not ask for something back when I have already given it to someone. The same goes for words spoken. When saying something to a person you will never be able to take back the words that were spoken, so it is crucial to be careful about what one says and what one does because actions are irrevocable. Other lessons I’ve learned are to take all the chances you ever have presented and to not be afraid to speak to adults.

Through mistakes, we gain knowledge and experience, so my elective class would revolve around life lessons and basic resources that students would learn about to succeed during their college experience, personal life, and career. The class would be full of discussions and presentations about lessons we have learned after committing mistakes. Posters and interactive videos would also be made in the class and shared on the school website to encourage and help other students succeed as well.

I want to provide insight and guide students to be the best version of themselves and through words and actions, I know it is possible for students to learn how to grow their mindset into a positive one and be prepared for interviews, applications, taxes, scholarships, and future expenses.

Overall, the class would be beneficial for students because they are learning about turning their negative experiences into positive learning encounters that will help them succeed in the long run. Students will be able to be confident to tackle any obstacles they face and make the most of what they have. The class will teach how life is not fair, but just because life isn’t fair doesn't mean we have to make life even tougher by surrounding ourselves with negativity and not improving ourselves through reflection and a growth mindset. So what I want is for students to embrace the unknown and use their optimism and creativity to change the world one lesson at a time.

One of the first lessons taught would be “You only miss the opportunities that you don’t take.” This is so crucial because a lot of people don’t take chances that could help better their skills and widen their perspective on real-world concepts. The time they have and their motivation levels are obstacles that impede them from taking opportunities. That is why in the class I want to teach them to be independent and not be afraid or lazy to take chances. The worst thing that can happen is that one doesn’t get what one wants. This relates to my second lesson “The worst thing that a person can say to you is: No.” A lot of people are timid to ask people for favors and specifically in school students may be worried to ask for letters of recommendation, questions, etc. However, in order to obtain greater things in life, one needs to accept rejection and challenges and understand that we will not get everything we want. However, should a simple no from someone deter us from our goals? The answer: NO!

Furthermore, a lot of students need guidance on researching scholarships and organizations. I know a lot of students that by the time applications roll up they are struggling to come up with activities to put on their application or any awards. During my time in high school, I was the only one helping myself find organizations, volunteer opportunities, and scholarships. Thus, I know the struggle of feeling lost and confused on what to do during your time in high school especially during increasing competitive college applications and scholarships.

With this in mind, the class Time to Live would guide students during their education and prepare them for college and their careers. Students in class would learn that there are no shortcuts in any place worth going to. Therefore, I want to empower students to put great effort into their endeavors because by reinforcing positive learning lessons, inspiring discussions, and communicating essential life skills, students will be inspired to be someone that can make a difference in their community and make the most of their "learning lessons" (mistakes). More importantly, the class Time to Live will instill students to utilize their voice, actions, and time to spread positivity to not only others but themselves.