Finding My Voice by Sophie

Finding My Voice by Sophie - April 2019 Scholarship Essay

Throughout the first part of my life, I felt as though I did not have a voice. From preschool through second grade, I participated in speech therapy but my communication skills continued to lack. I attended a private elementary school, so as I entered seventh grade at the public school, I was very insecure about being with people I had never met. My weak communication skills did not only negatively affect my relationships but my academics as well.

I still vividly remember a group project I had to present to my class, I only embarrassed myself. I could not get through a sentence without saying, “Sorry”. It was so bad my teacher told me in the middle of my presentation to stop saying sorry and gave me a C for the presentation portion of my project. I could not help but have tears fill my eyes. After this experience, I knew I never wanted to have that feeling again. I enrolled in the advanced english class in 8th grade. Although I knew it would be extremely difficult, I was determined to improve my communication skills.

As I entered high school, I turned my greatest weakness into my greatest strength. I dedicated myself to finding opportunities that challenged me including college level communication courses, drama, a public relations internship, and working for my local newspaper. I began to tell stories with greater eloquence. I no longer had to apologize for awkwardly communicating my ideas because I had found my voice.