Do Hard Things! by Reuben
Reubenof West Chester's entry into Varsity Tutor's February 2015 scholarship contest
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Do Hard Things! by Reuben - February 2015 Scholarship Essay
The one book that I recommend all high school students read before they graduate is the book, Do Hard Things, by Alex and Brett Harris. The reason I chose this book is because it has done more to shape my character than almost any other thing in my life. It has enabled me to overcome my natural tendency to settle for average. Essentially, this book was a compilation of personal narratives where people shared the mistakes they made as teenagers and revealed practical truths like the fact that the diligent will prosper. Also, this book uncovered some lies that I had thoroughly believed, such as the idea that you can just goof around during your teen years and it will not affect your adult life. After reading this book, I resolved to stand up for the truth, flee from evil, and cling to what is right. Consequentially, I never looked at situations in the same way. Although I have continued to struggle against the tendency to quit, give up, and settle for less, Do Hard Things has been my stronghold. Instead of putting homework off until tomorrow, I seized the day and did what I could.
Do Hard Things has lead to one of my greatest personal accomplishments thus far which has been attending college classes at Cedarville University as a high school senior. This May, I will have earned 27 units of college credit. Because I realized that the habits I form today will follow me into adulthood. I have made the changes necessary to do my work without procrastinating. I learned the importance of persevering through difficulty which has positively affected my school and work performance. I study a little bit every day and always come to class prepared. I have been prompted to establish good habits, and the sprouting seed of perseverance has flourished in the garden of my character.