Words of Wisdom by Rachel

Words of Wisdom by Rachel - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

It is August of 2012, and I am excited to start my first day of high school. Middle school was fun, but high school was going to be a whole different story. I was determined to study hard and achieve high marks in school while also balancing sports and a social life. Fast-forward to April 2016, and I am about to graduate and move on from life as I know it. Thinking back on the past four years, I have no idea where the time has gone.
My high school experience has flown by in a blur. I have always had friends and enjoyed myself, but I held the attitude that there would always be another football game or another school event. Now that my four years are coming to an end, I have begun to realize there will be a day where I will wake up in a dorm room away from my home, my family, and my high school. The football games have ended, and everyone is geared up for graduation day and college. Where has all the time gone?
I am a little different than the average student. I work hard and study to score well in school, but I also have a daily battle with anxiety. I worry about school, sports, and others constantly. My anxiety tied me up for a portion of my high school experience, causing me to miss countless events. I knew I was working for my future, but all I wanted to do was get out and have a stress-free day. As my senior year comes to a close, I look back and wish I would have put down the books more and enjoyed my time in school while it was at my fingertips.
My advice to younger students would be to study hard, but also have fun. It is not weird to study; the supposed cool kids understand they must do well in school to have a successful future. Pretending to be less than one is only hurts the individual. It is up to each student to balance their schedule of work and play, and I would encourage people to get involved as much as possible at school. Some of my best memories of high school come from sporting activities and clubs. While studying and getting a good education is important, high school will not last forever. Four years fly by, and graduation is here in the blink of an eye. Younger students should soak up every last minute of high school before it is gone. Time and fleeting and there is no time like the present to live it up and have a blast in school. Study hard in order to have a positive future and do not wish it away. Do not wait until it is time to pick up graduation caps and gowns to realize high school will come to an end. I advise younger students to enjoy school, because one day they will wake up, cross a stage, get a diploma, and it will all be over before they know it.