Trust the Process by Torera

Trust the Process by Torera - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could give one piece of advice to my past self, it would be this: trust the process. Not just the good days or the big milestones, but every slow, uncertain, and confusing moment along the way. I used to measure my worth by how much I had figured out, how far ahead I seemed, or how much I could accomplish in a short time. What I did not realize then was that real growth takes time, and it does not always come with applause or clarity. Sometimes it comes in silence, in stillness, and even in struggle.

Looking back, I remember moments when I felt completely unsure of myself. Whether it was preparing for AP exams, going to cheer practice after long school days, or helping my mom manage her chronic illness, I constantly questioned whether I was doing enough or being enough. I compared myself to others who seemed more confident, more accomplished, or more certain about their futures. That comparison made me anxious and discouraged. I would tell my younger self to stop measuring her journey against someone else's timeline. Everyone’s pace is different, and there is no set schedule for success.

One of the most powerful lessons I have learned is that every challenge I faced was preparing me for something greater. When I worked part-time while also completing my internship at a dental office, I felt overwhelmed. But those experiences helped me become more disciplined and patient. They also taught me how to balance multiple responsibilities, which I now realize is a crucial skill in both college and life. I would tell my past self that she was building endurance and grit, even if she did not see the outcome yet.

I would also tell her that it is okay to feel uncertain. For a long time, I thought I had to have everything figured out before I took action. But I have come to learn that the most important decisions are often made while we are still figuring things out. Trusting the process means taking a step forward even when the path is not clear. It means giving yourself permission to learn as you go and not being afraid to revise your plans along the way.

Trusting the process also means showing up for yourself every day. I would remind my past self that progress is not always dramatic. It can be as simple as choosing to study when you feel tired, applying for a scholarship even when you doubt your chances, or showing kindness to yourself after a setback. These little decisions add up. They shape the person you are becoming, even if it feels like nothing is changing on the outside.

There were times when I felt like my hard work was going unnoticed. I would look around and see people getting awards, recognition, and opportunities, and wonder when it would be my turn. What I did not understand then is that some of the most meaningful growth happens away from the spotlight. I would tell my younger self that just because something is not visible does not mean it is not valuable. Your efforts matter, even if no one claps for them.

If I could go back, I would hug the version of me who stayed up late finishing homework after long shifts at work. I would encourage the girl who walked into her internship nervous but ready to learn. I would celebrate the student who pushed through doubt, pressure, and exhaustion to stay on track. I would tell her, “Keep going. You are doing better than you think. What feels like confusion now is actually building clarity for later.”

Now, as I prepare for college and a future career in medicine, I still remind myself to trust the process. I do not know what every step of the journey will look like, but I am learning to embrace the uncertainty instead of resisting it. Every challenge has made me stronger, every detour has taught me something, and every quiet moment of perseverance has brought me closer to who I want to be.

So if I could give my past self just one piece of advice, it would be this: trust the process. Believe that everything you are doing has purpose, even if you cannot see the full picture yet. You are not behind. You are not lost. You are growing, learning, and moving forward in the exact way you are meant to. Trust that.