Be True to You by Sheenal

Be True to You by Sheenal - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

If you asked me a year ago where I’d be today, I’d think you’re crazy to say I’d be living in Switzerland for my first year of college. I never thought I’d leave the state, let alone the country for college. Although things didn’t go as expected, I couldn’t be happier with where I am today. I’ve grown emotionally and spiritually and have learned so much about myself from professors, peers, and living independently. Given my experiences, my one piece of advice is to stay focused and be true to your self. Here are three things to keep in mind as you continue your path to adulthood.
The first is to have fun. It is important to enjoy your youth while your young because you won’t have this type of time on your hands in the future. Years from now you won’t remember the tests you took but rather spending time with friends and family. Stay focused by finishing your work when you’re supposed to so you can have fun later. Secondly, try something you normally wouldn’t do: fencing, running for class president, volunteering, etc. This is the time to discover new hobbies and explore your interest. It won’t ever be this easy to have so many clubs and organizations at your dispense. Being true to your self also requires finding yourself. A new activity or sport can be the perfect way put your self in a situation to grown from social interactions. However, if you partake in something you genuinely don’t like, stay true to yourself and recognize your limits of what you can and cannot handle. Thirdly, make sure to study hard. A first-world education is such a privilege compared to many parts of this world. Take advantage of your resources and especially advice from your teachers. Hard work really does pay off when you get into your dream college, land that killer internship, or receive a scholarship for your academic or athletic excellence. Also remember that it isn’t the end of the world if do poorly on a test or lose at a game. Just do your best and everything will work itself out.
Lastly, what does it mean to stay focused and be true your self? Most people think this means to not procrastinate and be honest. While this may be true, it also includes being open-minded. After I was rejected from my college dream school, I thought my world was falling apart. I had to ask myself what I really wanted. My high school mentor told me “it’s not about where you go, but what you do when you get there.” I had to ignore all of the societal expectations and norms and do what was best for me. This open-mindedness thinking has led to the happiest of times and self-discovery. Plans may change, people may come and go, but if you stay focused and be true to yourself everything will be okay.