Who I Really Am by Theresa

Who I Really Am by Theresa - August 2016 Scholarship Essay

Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. Simultaneously, if we can control the past, we control our future. These two quotes have been around for centuries, repeated over and over again to ensure that the darkest times of our human lives are to never be repeated, and how much history has an impact on our everyday decisions.
The first time I stepped in Ap World History, until the end of the year, there was never a time where I enjoyed the class. Often times, I would tell others that I have more passion in hating that class then actual passion in the subject. Yet now that I have reflect back to the things I have learned then, and to be able to witness history in our modern time again through segregation, discrimination, and many other mistakes that we have not yet learned in the past; it has come to my attention that this issue does not just apply to the world, but our lives as students, teachers, workers, and every living thing on Earth.
From our everyday lives to our darkest past, there is never a moment where we should dismiss our mistakes. That does not mean we hold on to the past, but rather store it and treasure our mistakes as if it were an ancient artifact, something to be studied and learned from. Something to be inspired by, to be read over and over again and compare the better and newly improved us, to the person that we were once disappointed in.
This is what World History really taught me. Yes, I know more about the world, its interesting culture and history. I know about many of each countries shameful moments. In contrast, I have also learned how every country, just like every student, can overcome their obstacles and improve ourselves more each day. Just because I, as a high school student, has either failed the SAT, state test, a class, a job interview, or even a major goal does not in anyway define me. Just because I have made a mistake, does not mean that my life is ruined and set in stone.
None of these things make up a person. The only thing that matters when it comes to finding your identity as a student, is your effort to learn from your past and the ability to take pride in what you have accomplished. That, is what really makes up an individual. This is how I have improved as a student, and that is not being afraid of mistakes.