Because of You by emily

Because of You by emily - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

The book felt heavier in my hands than I expected. I’d waited for this moment for what seemed like forever—this slim volume with my initials on the cover, Idiosyncratic, my first poetry collection. I was fourteen, on the brink of turning fifteen, and it felt like I was holding my entire world between two covers. I didn’t write for recognition but for the process itself. Yet, at that moment, I realized something deeper: my words were my superpower, capable of turning chaos into clarity, and my dreams weren’t just whispers—they were tangible.
The journey to discovering this wasn’t without its trials. Some admired my ambition, while others dismissed me, assuming I was too young to have anything of substance to say. I remember handing my mother the first official copy of my book, my heart racing as I watched her flip through the pages. I searched her face for pride, but instead, I saw concern. “This isn’t kid-appropriate,” she said. “What are you writing?” Her words stung, but my response came from a place of newfound strength: “I want to be the best writer, not just the best writer for my age.” That moment taught me an important lesson—my superpower wasn’t meant to be validated by others. It was mine, rooted in resilience and the ability to give voice to my inner world.
Through my AVID classes, I learned how to channel that strength into action. AVID provided me with tools to organize my thoughts and discipline my creativity, showing me that passion paired with persistence is unstoppable. Through AVID’s guidance, I developed the confidence to turn my vision into reality. It wasn’t just about completing projects; it was about embracing challenges and using them to grow.
Over time, writing evolved from a coping mechanism into a way to explore self-awareness and connect with others. When I self-published Idiosyncratic, I took my first bold step toward making my dreams tangible, proving to myself that I didn’t need permission to create. The experience taught me that my superpower wasn’t just about writing—it was about resilience, adaptability, and the courage to be unapologetically myself. AVID reinforced these lessons, teaching me how to reflect, refine, and rise above obstacles.
Now, as I embark on my next project, titled Just Be, I approach it with an even sharper focus. This isn’t just a book; it’s a movement, a continuation of the journey that began with Idiosyncratic. It explores themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and turning adversity into strength. My superpower has grown beyond the page—it’s become my voice, my vision, and my way of making a difference.
Moving forward, I plan to use this superpower to inspire others, particularly those who feel unheard or underestimated. Writing has taught me that the most common form of despair is not being who you are, and I want to show others that authenticity is the key to fulfillment. Through future books, articles, and creative projects, I aim to spark conversations, build connections, and encourage others to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery.
AVID helped me realize that success isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. My superpower, paired with the lessons AVID taught me, will continue to guide me as I grow. Writing is my past, my present, and my future—a path that reminds me who I am and who I strive to become. With it, I’ll make my mark on the world, one story at a time.