Faith by Za’Naiya

Faith by Za’Naiya - July 2024 Scholarship Essay

A lesson I have learned this year is to have faith no matter what is not working out in the current moment. I spent so much time stressing over things that I should not have. I learned that as long as you have faith and work towards what you want, you will always succeed, even if it is in a way that you did not expect. For example, I am less than a month away from starting college and have no idea how I am going to pay for it. But instead of stressing myself out and focusing on the negative things, I am choosing to stay calm and focus my energy on applying for scholarships.

This lesson has been a game-changer for me and I now see how it has helped me in the past.
In high school, I graduated with second honors, maintaining an 85 or above average. I participated in a student sponsorship program which gave me access to a mentor who guided me through many challenges. I also spent the last two years in high school as a member of the mock trial team and as a writer for my school's newspaper club. These experiences taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and the power of believing in yourself.

Mock trial, in particular, was a significant learning experience. It was not always easy. There were times when our team faced tough competition, and it felt like we would not make it. But we kept pushing, practicing, and believing in our abilities. In the end, our hard work paid off, and those moments of doubt turned into moments of triumph. This experience reinforced the lesson that faith and perseverance can lead to success, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Writing for the school newspaper also taught me valuable lessons. Meeting deadlines, coming up with interesting stories, and working with a team of writers required me to stay focused and trust the process. There were times when I doubted my abilities, but I learned to have faith in my skills and the support of my peers.

As I prepare to start college, I know there will be challenges ahead. Financial concerns are at the forefront, but I am not letting that stop me. I am applying for scholarships and looking for other opportunities to fund my education. I believe that my hard work and faith will lead me to the resources I need. This mindset allows me to stay positive and focused on my goals, rather than getting bogged down by worry.

In conclusion, the lesson of having faith and working towards what you want has been invaluable to me. It has helped me navigate high school successfully and prepared me for the challenges of college. I am confident that this lesson will continue to guide me as I move forward. With faith, hard work, and perseverance, I know that I can achieve my dreams, no matter what obstacles come my way.