The Waiting Game by Meral

The Waiting Game by Meral - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

Children play on the side of the street in anticipation of the ice cream truck, neighborhood pools and parks come to life, laughter fills the air; this may seem like a scene out of a 1950’s television show, but in reality, it is just the end of the school year. The end of 10 long months of sleepless nights and standardized examinations. We often look back at ourselves and say “wow, I wish I didn’t study that. It wasn’t on any of the tests!” or “Maybe reading the book would have helped.” But the one regret I have for all four years of high school, and the one thing I would tell others, is don’t wait until the last minute.

Procrastination is a human trait. Everyone partakes in it. Why? Maybe it’s easier to put off our responsibilities than to face them. But it doesn’t make life easier. From extensive experience, all it’s caused me is stress and anxiety. It doesn’t even have to be school related – if you need to confront someone or something, do it. Don’t wait and tear yourself apart because you’re scared of the consequences. Getting things done on time, even if they’re miniscule, help us construct the illusion that we are “getting our lives together.” And if you do it enough, this illusion can become the true picture.