Growing from our struggles by Mckenzie

Growing from our struggles by Mckenzie - November 2018 Scholarship Essay

“Without struggles, there is no progress.” This quote from runaway slave turned abolitionist Frederick Douglass in one of his most famous and my favorites. I love this quote because it easily resonates with everyone, no matter their background. It certainly resonates with me.

My high school years have had struggles with myriad things including relationships, friendships and discovering my true passions and self. Looking at previous yearbooks, I am reminded of things with which I struggled during various periods, and the progress I have made as a result. Reminiscing is a reminder to my present self that as long as there is positive, focused struggle, the other side holds promising and impactful progress.

Growing up, inside and outside of America, in sun-kissed skin, so many experiences have both shaped me and added to my struggle. Struggle about how I look, act, with whom I associate and what things my parents could afford to have me participate in (or not). On the other side of each struggle is progress. Progress in the way I think and feel. Progress in my level of compassion and compromise. Progress in the way I love and stand up for myself. Progress in my faith in me. All can leverage this quote to reflect on their current situation and prepare to make substantive changes in our world.