Dear Past me: Do It Anyway! by Tiffany

Dear Past me: Do It Anyway! by Tiffany - September 2022 Scholarship Essay

At 17 years old, I wouldn't say that I'm at my wisest time in my life. However, through the experiences and knowledge I've gained over the years, I applaud the lessons I've learned for myself and how I've grown over time. Looking back to my younger years, the main piece of advice I would want to give to my past self if I could would be to "do it anyway." This advice applies to a broad range of situations, which is why it would be my one piece of advice. "It" can be anything; from wearing an outfit a little out of my comfort zone to something as simple as remaining kind in tough situations.

My middle school years were the first time I experienced social toxicity and conflict, mainly in the friend group I was in at the time. But the social cliquey nature of my small, private school limited my ability to just leave and find new friends, plus the internal conflict of wanting to stay in a familiar environment. My advice of "do it anyway" applies heavily to this past situation because in this group, I felt very limited and as though I had to bend over and miss out on opportunities to make the others feel better. I noticed overly competitive dynamic to be extremely draining and unfortunate, yet I couldn't leave. An example of this was in preparation of a middle school dance. Weeks before the occasion, I found a beautiful dress that I fell in love with immediately. Excited for my find, I shared a photo with my friends, only to it to be "disapproved of" because it was the same color as one of my friends' dress. Trying to be a good friend and not wanting her to stay upset at me, I returned the dress the next day and purchased a different dress, one that I liked enough but didn't love. Future me knows now that I should have just kept my original choice instead of sacrificing my happiness for another person. Thinking back on it now, I wish I could tell my past self to "do it anyway" and feel confident and beautiful at the dance.

In addition, my advice strongly applies to my past in which I tended to stay in the safety of my comfort zone. I had a passion for singing when I was younger, but despite my love and talent for it, I was always scared to show it off. In a school-wide Christmas concert many years ago, the music teacher, who was in charge of all the songs and performances, held auditions for having a solo in the performance. Immediately, I wanted to sign up, but my fear of singing in front of an audience held me back. For days, I struggled internally, trying to build up the confidence to attend tryouts but chickening out before I could pick up the pen and write my name on the signup sheet. By the time I forced myself to keep my decision to try out, the deadline to apply had passed. Having missed this opportunity and being dominated by fear, I believe that the piece of advice I chose would have helped me gather enough courage and bravery to take a chance to do something that I loved, which was singing. Worried I might not get the part? Try out anyway. Scared to mess up in front of a crowd? Sing it anyway.

I want to remind my past self that at the end of the day, personal experiences and good memories matter more than keeping other people happy or being comfortable, which is why I chose "do it anyway" for my piece of advice. Although I can't change the past, now I always push past my initial doubts and do it anyway, because I know that temporary discomfort will always be better than regret. As I follow my advice, I gain hundreds more memories and special opportunities that will benefit me forever.