The Miracles of Crocheting by Reese

The Miracles of Crocheting by Reese - January 2023 Scholarship Essay

March 2020 was the commencement of an extreme shift in the lives of everyone affected by Covid-19. We were all forced to spend a plethora of our time alone, locked up in our rooms and houses, with nothing to do and no one to talk to. This lack of activity and entertainment that everyone around the world was experiencing, resulted in the human need to find something new and time-consuming. My best friend’s mother, growing up, had always crocheted different articles of clothing, and was always gracious enough to gift me hats, ear-warmers, gloves, and almost any other item that you could dream of. I was consistently fascinated by the art of crochet when I was a child, and I decided that 2020 was presenting me with the opportunity to finally try it myself. Although Covid-19 was a horrific and devastating event for many around the world, it was beneficial in the way that it allowed me to find an activity that taught me how to find patience and gratitude in my life.
An avocation that allows one to learn more about themselves, and teaches valuable lessons, is something that I believe would be beneficial in the school system. When I first began crocheting, it was a very slow and frustrating process, because I assumed that I would be able to pick up on it quickly. This was definitely not the case, as I spent many hours trying to master this activity independently, without any guidance except for educational videos that I discovered on the internet. As I crocheted every day, I began to gradually become faster and became considerably more sound with my stitches. Although I detested it in the beginning, crocheting eventually became my escape. It allowed me to start with nothing, and end with something that I created with my own skill set. It was a tremendous feeling to be able to gift my friends and family my work, just as my best friend’s mom had done many years prior. Witnessing the gratefulness of others was something that made me greater admire the art of crochet. Crocheting taught me patience and allowed me to appreciate myself, and the things that I am capable of. I believe that this is something that all people should be able to experience in their lives.
By installing crocheting into the school system, I feel as if more children will find a deeper appreciation within themselves, and will have a different outlet to turn to if they are ever distressed. It will teach them to overcome frustration and find peace in the small things in life. By making crocheting an elective in middle and high schools, more children will be exposed to something that they never would have thought to do in the first place. It will allow for this hobby to be introduced to thousands of more people, which is something that would have never been possible if it wasn’t presented to children at such an early age.