Look to the Horizon by Izzy

Look to the Horizon by Izzy - November 2018 Scholarship Essay

“Look out, not down.” Short, straightforward, to the point, and everything I am not. I did not pick this quote because it describes me; I picked it because it inspires me. Years ago, through some means of persuasion or taunting, I found myself atop a huge tower, peering over the murky water below. People, other campers, cheered me on from the pier, all of them unaware of the rapid beating of my heart and the sweat beginning to break out on my forehead. My hands began to shake. The lifeguard on the tower with me, my counselor that year, gave me an encouraging smile. She was short and stocky, had a pixie cut, and was decidedly the coolest person I had ever met. I adored her. Drawing my attention away from the infinite drop and the screaming crowd, she pointed out the beautiful view. I was momentarily distracted by it, but my gaze longed to return to the lake below us and contemplate again how easily I could fall and drown. She prevented me from doing so with those four, simple words. “Look out, not down.” I looked to the horizon and watched the birds fly into the sun above the forest of green and brown. The sky was clear that day.
Then, suddenly, my feet moving of their own volition, I flung myself off the tower, and I was flying. My gaze was still on the sky as I hit the water, submerged in the grasping seaweed and sand. I resurfaced back into the cacophony of cheers, grinning and proud of myself. My counselor was proud of me, too.
Although I have not spoken to her since that week at camp and my memories of that time have faded into a hazy, excited blur, I have never forgotten her words. The phrase intended to coax me from the tower, one that she probably forgot the week after I left, has evolved into something more, something that bursts with inspiration and encouragement. As I have grown older, her words have helped me through broken hearts, broken bones, and everything in between.
It does not matter what lurks below, be it a lake or a fanged, winged, and drooling beast. It only matters that there is a future in sight. There is something inspiring to set my eyes on and, as long as I remember to look at the good that is ahead, I will be able to conquer whatever lies beneath. The future is bright and beautiful and just in view, so long as I do not focus on the fear, but instead look out into the horizon.