My Humble Opinion May Be Worth Something by riqi

My Humble Opinion May Be Worth Something by riqi - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

Kudos! Education is important and choosing to continue yours is the beginning of a rewarding journey.
I'm 23 years old and this is my first year in college. I grew up valuing education. I attended a private school and was there all day. When I got out at 5:00 PM, there was homework to be done, research to be tackled and pile of books to push through.
My teenage years were ugly ones. I placed myself around others that were not too productive and I slipped in to the crowd easily. By the time I was ready to enroll for grade 10 all my motivation was gone. I no longer attended school. I wasted many days which soon turned in to years.
I received plenty of support that I probably wasn't worthy of, and at the age of 17 I obtained my GED. I went with that to a school overseas and studied there. When I returned back to the states, my head had been screwed back on properly. I decided I was going to attend a college and get a degree in something. I applied and got rejected, applied and got rejected, applied and got rejected. Every time there was another reason. I was missing this paper, I was missing that score. I finally had met all the requirements I had scrambled for, and I beamed with an acceptance letter in my hand. The day finally came where I can start working towards being a productive member of society once again.
I felt as if I were back in elementary school with all my notebooks, pens and papers. I had butterflies in every part of my body. That determination in me had woke again and I was ready to conquer the world.
Then I walked through the front doors. It was all so new and scary. Unfamiliar faces everywhere. I made my way to my classroom by asking a few people for directions and took a seat. I made sure to reach out knowing I couldn't be the only one feeling this way. This was a tactic that had helped me in the past. I said hello to the young lady sitting to my right and started asking her questions. It was no surprise to me that this was her first semester in the school as well. I made an effort from that point on to try to reach out of my own head and by doing so I can meet others and feel that Im not in this alone.
So get on out there young one! You're doing all the right things already just by showing up. And remember that so many others are in the same boat as you. Lend a hand and you'll feel helped yourself. Best of luck to all of you!