"Be the Change You Wish to See in the World" by Jessica

"Be the Change You Wish to See in the World" by Jessica - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

Having a “bump in the road” allows you to live and learn, to grow into who you truly are. I finally found myself after I found the light that guided me. Everyone has a light to follow, sometimes finding it takes longer than intended but, it’s worth it. I found my encouraging light after I hit my lowest point. Sometimes, all it takes is an extracurricular activity to help you out of a hard time into a better community. It all starts with just a little “bump in the road.” The “bump in the road” that I had to overcome was being bullied.
Throughout elementary and middle school, I was not included in the “popular kids” group. Quite frankly, they seemed to have neglected to accept my existence and run the other way. I felt as if there was something wrong with me, enough to cause my “friends” to ignore me. I was abandoned by the people I thought that I could rely on. I walked down the crowded hallways with hundreds of eyes radiating down on me, feeling entirely all by myself in this enormous world of negativity. Names were thrown towards me until they stuck in my mind like darts penetrating a the “bull’s eye” on the board. Each letter ate away every ounce of my self-esteem. Pointed fingers and laughter were common as I sauntered through the hallways with my dreary eyes locked onto the floor tiles. I quickly became depressed. I hid from the world; afraid I would only be attacked more.
I needed to get through it on my own. I started to express my pain through dancing. My dance instructor had noticed that I have changed, I was distant and secluded. She gave me a hug and I melted into her arms. I was not alone anymore. My mentor, my light, someone I could trust and rely on. By dancing, I was able to express myself and my true emotions which became a driving force for my future. I realized, I needed to transcend above all the negativity, and become stronger than I ever was and be the light for others. Dancing became my strength that guided me through my hardships. I focused on positive energy embedded within my life: improving myself, gaining my confidence back, bringing my grades back up.
There’s no longer a dark, pendulous cloud blocking my light anymore. I have learned that no one can define who I am, other than myself. This experience inspired me to make a change that I wish to see in the world-TO END BULLYING. To this day, I strive to be the best possible version of who I am and I do not tolerate bullying. Following my dance instructor’s example, I became a student mentor within an organization at my school called S.A.D.D.- Students Against Destructive Decisions. This organization gives a voice to the silence, allows struggling peers to have someone to trust and rely on. I became the light to guide others out of the darkness. Driving over this “bump in the road” has led to many journeys. The journey was difficult and seemed to have been never ending but, I made it and will try my very best to help others out of this dark tunnel and guide them to their profound destiny. Dancing had inspired me to be a helping hand towards denouncing bullying. For that, I can say that I am truly proud of myself.