A guide for Life by Jenilee

A guide for Life by Jenilee - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

One of my favorite books is called They Both Die at the End, this book ends how it is literally titled. I found myself rooting for Mateo and Rufus and hoping they would not die despite the title literally spoiling the book. The two had come together in one beautiful day and got closer than ever which ultimately allowed the readers to forget that they’d eventually die in an unexpected way. The two were aware it would be their last day, they were waiting for death to strike at any given moment. However, they still made the best of their day.
I understand the prompt says to focus on one person, but I’d like to focus on both Mateo and Rufus. The two began the day as strangers who knew by the end of the day, they’d be dead. After meeting through an app that allowed them to come together for an epic last day, the two created a friendship. The lesson taught here was to enjoy each and every moment while making sure your loved ones are aware you constantly love them. They were blessed to know the day that they’d go. In reality, we don’t get that choice.
The average person is surrounded by people who have love for them. A mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a friend. It doesn’t matter the relationship, there is at least one person who has love for you. One fight can ruin a whole relationship, but you never want to die with that on your conscience. I think it’s quite an important lesson from Mateo and Rufus. You also want to live your life with no regrets, every day should be an adventure. Bucket lists are highly encouraged so you can do everything you can before you die. We ultimately don’t know when that is. Even if a calm, simple life is your speed, just be sure it makes you happy. We don’t have enough time to be unhappy with the way we live.