Validation by Nadia

Validation by Nadia - August 2022 Scholarship Essay

My academic goal for the upcoming school year is to obtain validation. I know how that may sound but I am truly seeking validation. I have spent an enormous part of my academic career achieving great grades, taking on extensive extracurricular activities, and filling out scholarship applications, like this one. I did this all in hopes of feeling validated in my academic achievements; from my parents, from my teachers, and from my education system. My goal this semester is to feel validated in my own being; as a person first and then a student with great intellect. I have spent at least half of my life trying to be a perfect student and this has led to my academic validation being external instead of internal. This is an important change that I want to achieve because I truly have a passion for learning and pursuing new knowledge. I have seen this passion come to life in recent months.
I have not read for leisure since I was in middle school, but this summer I have read books upon books that nourish my personal interest. This has been great for my mental health and my perspective on academics as well. I see the world differently, I have traded in grades and high remarks as rewards and instead gained perspective. Perspective that I can apply to any challenge or test ahead of me. I have encouraged the individuals I tutor as well to do the same. Not just to read, but to find joy in their academics and their individual validation as a person and then a student.