I am not a Loser! by Sophia

I am not a Loser! by Sophia - August 2023 Scholarship Essay

The day I found out I lost the election for Senior Class Student Body President was also the day I experienced one of my greatest achievements. Yes, you read that right. I lost the election, but I feel like I won. I'm not the most popular girl or prettiest girl, or the smartest girl. I like myself though, and I feel really good about who I am. I haven't known the other students in my class since grade school. I moved to Texas just two years ago and have had to work so hard at learning the way Texas schools teach compared with the state I learned in my whole life (California). I have always had to work hard to get good grades, and it was never natural or easy, but I did it. I also had to come out of my shell a little bit (actually a lot) and get to know other people and also let them get to know me. I wanted to develop good friendships, and I was willing take the time and make the effort to build these relationships.

The day I found out I lost the election was the day I realized my self worth would never come from winning. My life didn't change at all after that loss. My friends were still my friends, in fact, I actually made new friends through the campaign process, and I truly admire the guy who was elected! My grades didn't change through the loss, my home life didn't change, my job and sports were unaffected as well.

On that day, I realized my value came from who I am, how I treat others, practicing what I believe in, and choosing to see the good in people and situations. I learned that my sense of achievement comes from being honest, authentic, kind, hopeful, and encouraging, when it is easy to be those things, and especially when it is hard to be those things. I gained so much through the process of running for President. My report card and high school transcript will document my measurable performance throughout high school, but that is only a part of who I am. My personal achievements aren't recorded by school staff, but I'm learning to document and celebrate them. I get to decide if something is a win or a fail, and as long as I keep the right perspective, I can only win!

As I work toward graduation and college acceptance, I am focused on keeping the same open minded, humble attitude. Colleges can only review and process so much from any given application, and I am not allowing their admittance decision to define my sense of achievement. Filling out every application, writing every essay, scheduling every tour and meeting I can is how I can feel accomplished in giving the best and most that I have to this process. The same philosophy will apply to job applications and interviews as well. I experienced some unfavorable outcomes through my life, but I've learned so much from each one, that I do see them all as "win's"!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to reflect on this essay prompt, as it further enhances my appreciation for self reflection and maintaining a positive attitude toward myself and others. Thank you for allowing me to win with this experience before you even award the scholarship.