Sunshine by Mia

Sunshine by Mia - November 2018 Scholarship Essay

“Keep your face always towards the sunshine, and the shadows will fall behind you.” As I have been told since a young age, I have a naturally joyful disposition; constantly hearing this influenced my outlook on things. I put forth my best efforts in taking things lightly and always looking forward.
I have been raised by two wonderful parents that have always guided me to the bigger picture. My father has always harped the mindset of not taking everything to heart, not all circumstances are so serious. Truthfully, this has been a struggle for me since I could remember; I’ve always had a strong personality, therefore when I feel emotions, I feel them immensely. When I feel joy, I am truly jumping for joy, as the saying says; when I am somber, it’s blatantly obvious by the way I carry myself. My mother has always instilled the notion that life goes on, regardless of the mistakes you’ve made and the regrets you have. It’s human nature to mess up in life, fixating on the mistakes is no way to live. The only positive option is to move on and let the negativity fall behind you. With my parents as guidance I have seen strength come from hardship and joy come from the simplest things. I have amply lived up to the image I created for myself at a young age.
Everyone in life faces obstacles of many degrees. How we respond to the situation is what defines who we are. In hard situations I attempt to keep an optimistic outlook, but even then, there are moments that I must break and feel the negative emotions. After I have had my time to accept the negative feelings I remind myself that life goes on; the sun will come up tomorrow and it’ll be a new day, full of opportunity and experience. From mistakes comes learning, and I feel solitude in the fact that I have learned from my past mistakes.
The quote I have chosen for my senior yearbook conveys how I have maintained a joyful disposition for myself. My parents have been a vital influence to this development; they have guided me towards the more positive lifestyle. With harsh truths being shed into light, I have learned to let the little things and go and allow myself to experience the new days ahead.