A lesson on school. by Zahra

A lesson on school. by Zahra - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

Dear High School Freshman,

Here is something I learned in a very difficult way during my first two years at a Public high school: There is no such thing as cool.

No matter what MTV shows or 90's high school movies try to tell you, people don't worship others because of the clothes they wear or the phones they have or their appearance. The popular kids don't attract people like flies because they're made of sugar crystals. The "cool kids" aren't surrounded by friends because of some invisible hypnosis gnome, placing everyone under a trance. Popularity is simply the way confidence is perceived in a high school setting.

Let me say that again. CONFIDENCE. Its a word very often used to describe this situation. Confidence means being absolutely 100% at all times, in terms of assured-ness. If you're so sure of what you say and what you do, then it inspires that type of confidence in others. Confidence relieves the strain of awkward mystery that arises when people try something different (i.e. making friends).

One way to gain confidence is to create a mantra that makes you feel self assured. Mine was "If it comes from inside, it can't possibly be wrong." This inspired me express myself easier while also allowing me to separate my opinions from that of everyone around me.

Another way of eschewing the popularity lie is to love what you love. If you're open about your opinion in a non offence way, in an interesting way, you will gain friends, real friends who share the same views.

Probably the most important thing about high school is to remain yourself. Obviously you'll be growing and changing, but stay kind, stay humble, and don't let your childhood love of fun get washed away by the fear of the future.