Don't look back: Run by Sharon

Don't look back: Run by Sharon - April 2021 Scholarship Essay

5 years ago, I was 13 years old, I went to a charter school but had to transfer to a public school because my school moved to a location 40 minutes away. After the decision to transfer schools was made, I was excited for high school and kept wondering what was in store for me in the future, but after the first day of high school, my worst year of my life (at that time) started. I hated the students. The teachers. The building. Even the smell of the school. I started to be unwilling and reluctant to open up and adapt to the new environment. Instead, I kept looking back to the 12 year old Sharon and the 11 year old Sharon from my old charter school. I kept looking back to my friends, asking if they can help me catch up with the schoolwork if I decide to transfer back. I kept looking back without looking forward, watching where I was going. Because of me constantly looking back to see what I have lost and left behind, I was unable to see what I had in front of me. I could not see the teachers who constantly tried to help me adjust by inviting me to the clubs that they were sponsoring. I could not see the students (who later became my future friends) who talked to me first, trying to become friends. I could not see anything in front of me because I was refusing to move forward, and I was always focused on my past.
5 years later, I see that because of my continuous refusal to look forward, I had an even harder time adjusting to high school, and I went through unnecessary difficult times. So, I would tell myself 5 years ago: Don’t look back, just go. No matter how many times you look back, what is done is done. You cannot change the past, but you can change the future. Instead of looking at the people behind you, look at the people in front of you who are willing to help you. Once you move forward, you will see that there are an endless amount of opportunities, experiences, and people waiting for you. Your next four years in this unknown place will be the most definitive of you. Don’t hesitate and don’t think. Just jump and try new things. Try a new sport or try playing a new instrument. Just do not look back because if you do, you will be discouraged and will have to start from square zero. So 13 year old Sharon, this is my advice to you: Don’t look back: Run.