The Strength in Speaking Up by Rashid

The Strength in Speaking Up by Rashid - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could go back and give my past self-one piece of advice, it would be this: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I used to think that asking questions or admitting I was struggling meant I wasn’t smart enough or strong enough. I kept a lot to myself, thinking it was better to figure things out alone than to show any signs of weakness. But looking back, I realize how much stress I could’ve avoided if I had just spoken up and leaned on the people who were already there to support me.

Back in high school, I put a lot of pressure on myself to keep everything together. I balanced classes, sports, and family expectations, but I didn’t always feel like I was doing enough. I’d stay up late trying to finish work I didn’t fully understand instead of emailing the teacher or asking a classmate. I was afraid of being seen as the person who didn’t “get it.” I carried that mindset into college—at least at first.

What changed things for me was joining the DREAM program in my first year. That was the first time I really felt like I had a support system that encouraged me to ask questions and be open about what I needed. It reminded me that college isn’t something you’re supposed to go through alone. I also volunteered to help set up for a high school play and made blankets for those in need through my Honors College class. Those experiences showed me the power of teamwork and how good it feels to be part of something bigger than yourself. I realized that most people actually want to help, you just have to let them in.

If I had known that earlier, I would’ve saved myself from a lot of unnecessary stress. I would tell my younger self that asking for help doesn’t make you any less independent, it just makes you human. Everyone struggles at some point. What matters is how you deal with it and whether you're willing to learn from it.

That advice has stuck with me. Now, when I don’t understand something or feel overwhelmed, I don’t stay silent. I speak up. I reach out. And I remind myself that progress doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly, it means doing your best while knowing when to lean on others. That mindset has made me stronger, and I know it will continue to help me grow in the years to come.