Yes is Not Always the Answer by Paige

Yes is Not Always the Answer by Paige - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

When it comes to senior year in high school, a busy schedule is not a rarity. My time outside of school was already filled with schoolwork, sports, and work. This year I found myself occupied by not only those activities, but also by clubs, volunteering, friends, and babysitting. In order to become a better student in 2016 I am trying to teach myself that yes is not always the right answer. As much as I hate to say no, sometimes it is necessary to allow for a break in my schedule. It is not always possible to do everything that I want to do, therefore sometimes I must make the tough decision to turn down an offer.
In a schedule that is already tightly packed with dance, work, and homework, it is difficult to find time to do other activities. Club events seem to pop up ever so frequently, volunteer hours are needed for almost every club, the new family down the street really needs someone to look after their children for an evening, and my friends are just dying to see the newest movie. None of these are offers I want turn down, yet in reality my already busy schedule does not allow for everything. After I occupy my time with things that have to be done, I find that I don’t want to miss out on hanging out with my friends. This is the point where I decide that the test on Monday will not be too hard and studying is not necessary. Then I regret that decision during the test. By learning to say no, I can devote more time to my schoolwork. This time and dedication to my work and studies can help me to become a better student by increasing my grades.
On the flip side of saying no to friends, sometimes it is necessary for me to turn down the offer to earn a little extra money babysitting. Keeping a tight schedule can often lead to increased stress, subsequently decreasing performance levels in school and hindering my academic success. By taking time to hangout with friends or by myself, it is possible to relax and take my mind off of school. This relaxation and relief from stress will help me to become a better student because I can strive to take time away from the fast pace schedule to which I am accustomed
This year I strive to become a better student by learning that yes is not always the answer, I must learn when it is appropriate to say no. I can better manage my time and schoolwork by keeping to a less hectic schedule and allowing time away to myself away from my obligations.