In My Four Years... by Sarah

In My Four Years... by Sarah - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

As a senior, I can say that I have changed a lot since I was a freshman or even last year. You go through some trials, you make mistakes, and you grow as a person. Like I said, we make mistakes, especially in high school, but there was one decision that was for the best and without a doubt shaped me into who I am today. So my one piece of advice I’d share with younger students is this; join a sport or activity, and find your passion. This was what made high school what it was for me, and I can only hope others can experience it as well.
As a freshman I joined color guard, we are the visual effects of the marching band, and became way more than I expected it to be. I was an awkward kid with no coordination, suddenly dancing while spinning flag, rifle, and saber, capable of doing things I never thought possible. And on top of all that, I was surrounded by the best group of people I’ve met. With a blink of an eye, I had somewhere I belonged. This is what I want for younger students. I want them to go out there and find what they’re passionate about, what gives them confidence, what gives them motivation to practice for hours to get better at.
High school is by no means easy. There’s endless studying, countless homework in every class, due dates, state exams, SAT’s, GPA, class ranking, and that’s just grades. Along with that is also the stress that comes along being a teenager such as; dealing with friends coming in and out of your life, young love that is always very dramatic, discovering who you really are, body issues, thinking about the future, and so much more that plague the everyday high school student. It can all be so stressful, and drive anybody insane. I was lucky enough that no matter what a terrible day I had just endured, I was able to for 2-3 hours of my day completely forget about it all and put all my energy and focus into something I was passionate about. Everybody deserves to have an outlet.
In my four years at Katy High School my greatest piece of advice to give to younger students is to get out of your comfort zone and find your passion. It will shape you into a better person, and make the high school experience a more pleasant one.