Be a Kid by Tehya

Be a Kid by Tehya - September 2022 Scholarship Essay

From a young age, I always strived to be perfect in everything I did, mostly in academics. In elementary, trying to get on the headmaster's list, but falling short every time, only to make it to the principal's list. However, as I reached middle school, I was able to achieve this goal and get on the headmaster's list every single semester. Going into my first year of high school, being scared of how difficult the classes might be, wondering if I would still be able to get straight a's. I was wondering if my grades would be perfect on my transcript. However, again, every single semester, I ended up on the headmaster's list. But at what expense would this perfect transcript get me?
Immediately after school every day, I would go straight home and start on my homework. I often missed out on the joys of being a kid, playing outside, or messing around with friends, and I only focused on school. However, as I continued going from sixth to seventh to eighth grade, the stress of getting ready for high school added to the pressure to do well in school. "Doing well in middle school will prepare you for high school," the teachers would constantly tell us. Taking hours to do my homework to get all the questions right on my homework or study constantly for an upcoming test so that I would get the highest grade possible. Going into high school, I was again reminded about the importance of my grades, "A bad grade will be on your high school transcript for the rest of your life and will determine what college you go to." Hundreds of hours I spent doing homework, but at what expense?
Reflecting on my life thus far as a senior, was all the nights spent staying up studying worth it? Was all the unnecessary stress worth it? I would not tell my past self not to work hard and try my best in everything I do. The study habits I developed throughout elementary, middle school, and high school made me into the independent and determined person and student I am today. But, I would tell my past self not to put too much pressure on myself to do well in school at the expense of having fun and enjoying life. Take a break from your studies and hang out with your friends. Go to the movies or the beach with your family. Do not worry about always getting perfect grades. One bad grade is okay and not the end of the world; you do not always have to be perfect. You are only a kid once, so enjoy it while it lasts.