When School Gives You Ugli Fruits by Olivia

When School Gives You Ugli Fruits by Olivia - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

“Mom, I never have time for anything. I don't remember how to relax! This is fifteen weeks of hell. Sheesh, I can't even finish that book I started a year ago. I hate school!
This is how I argued the unfairness of life after working really hard for three days on an essay. Funny thing is, I had just sewed with my grandmother and gone out to dinner just before starting work on that essay. And at the time of this Great Debate I knew that I was going to see Star Wars: Episode VII in just a few days. The other funny thing: I had used this argument on multiple other occasions when trying to buy myself time for something fun.
Here's my problem: As soon as it seems like I've been working for a long time, I quit. Sometimes, to me, three days is a long time. I throw up my hands and walk away. My mom has to call me back and give me a pep talk. I have to find some inspiration to work hard, because I can't stand to see other kids spend hours on social media, go ten places a week with friends, and binge on One Tree Hill like, every night. This happens, we'll say, about every other week, though I'm probably stretching it. Oh, don't get me wrong, I do have breaks. But when school gives me ugli fruits, I scream and run away.
So this year, I will not complain. Whenever I see kids fooling around, I'll remind myself that these duel-enrollment classes are a blessing. I'm sixteen and I'm going to college! I love to learn, and I'm not paying for it! I'm getting a head start on life! How's that for unfair? This is the perfect time to get credits and experience. Plus, as a threat, colleges will pay more attention to the grades I get here to see if I can handle the college course-load. I cannot waste this time or take it for granted. It's a special opportunity. Ugli fruits are beautiful.
“Mom, I never have time for anything. I can't wait for summer to relax! It's only fifteen weeks of hell. Then I can finish that book I started a year ago. I love school!”

When school gives you ugli fruits, make a smoothie.