Grow Into The Person You Needed by Caitlyn

Grow Into The Person You Needed by Caitlyn - March 2019 Scholarship Essay

I still vividly remember the first time I stepped foot into my high school. I was a pudgy, shy, awkward ball of anxiety who was trying her best to not die in the crowded hallways. I was still in 8th grade, on a trip to get accustomed to the new world I was about to enter the next year; my feet could barely propel me forward, as the weight of my fears pressed on my shoulders.

Then I met her.

She was a senior, shorter than me, but her personality seemed to tower over everyone else. She was outgoing, loud; everything I felt like I could never be. She smiled brightly as my group entered the front doors, and I knew that I wanted to be like her when I got older. She helped me a lot over my first year of school; every time I got lost (which was quite often), she would guide me back to class every time and made sure I was doing okay. She would check in with me occasionally, and talked to me at football games - I thought a senior talking to an awkward freshman like me was embarrassing for her, so I appreciated her gesture immensely. Now I know she was genuinely interested in what I have to say. The way she conducted her tour, like she knew exactly what she was doing, left a lasting impression on me. I still remember her fondly.

I would - and do - tell my freshman tour groups this: grow up to be the person you needed when you were younger. Every freshman is nervous and scared, regardless of what they say, and that's okay. You don't have to be older to be a good role model, you just have to be a good example. Freshman year of high school is the hardest mentally. Be fearless, be kind, and be true; one day you'll have grown into the person you've always wanted to be, and the best time to start is now. I try to be a good influence on the current freshman, and give to them the help and advice I needed. I couldn't imagine how my first year would've gone without the kindness shown by my friend.