Learning to find yourself by Myiah

Learning to find yourself by Myiah - November 2020 Scholarship Essay

I remember watching movies as a child, such as High School Musical, expecting high school to be the years I look back on with fond memories. I thought that everyone would be kind, I would get more freedom, and that I would learn to be myself. Overall most of these expectations were fairly true, although high school don’t sing and dance to their classes, and the popular basketball boy never swept me away, I can say I will always be thankful for these last four years. The biggest and most important thing I learned in high school was to be myself.
I went through the first years thinking the only thing I would learn in high school is how to find x. Although it is important to learn the material in high school, I also believe it is very important to gain values, aspire to reach your goals, and become comfortable in your own skin. Growing up I was never comfortable being who I am. I thought I had to be just like everyone else, and that would make everyone like me. I then entered high school, and everything changed. I quickly realized that everyone was different in their own beautiful way. There were people of all kinds who would except you no matter what you wear, how you talk, and what you’re good at.
After I learned this, I gained the confidence to join the forensics team. This team brought me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I was able to gain confidence in others and learn to push myself. This led to me making new friends that I wouldn’t have met without reaching out of my comfort zone. I will forever be grateful for my family for encouraging to engage in as many things as I can in high school.
Overall, I will continue to tell every child that asks me what high school is like the same thing. “High school is not a movie. There won’t be people dancing and singing, but you should dance to your own song. Write your own lyrics. High school is an opportunity to find yourself before you are on your own. Join team, join the clubs, and be active. You will make some of your best friends, and best memories during this time. Just be yourself and try to embrace who you are because you are enough.”