Dealing With Mental Health While Being In High School. by Kiarra

Dealing With Mental Health While Being In High School. by Kiarra - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

One of the most challenging academic experiences I have faced is dealing with my mental health, while also being a freshman in high school. Just coming out of middle school being the top dog is great and all. But when you go to high school, you are right back down to being the baby of the school. I tried so hard trying to make friends, trying to fit in, and most importantly trying to keep good grades. Freshman year was a rough year for me because of family drama, stressing about school and out of school situations, and I was a troublemaker. The first week of school I had 3 essays due, homework, math (that I didn't understand), and a lot of reading. I was stressed so much to the point I fell into a deep depression. I did not want to do anything anymore. My thinking strategy was that freshman year did not matter and that I still had time senior year to make good grades.

During freshman year I was running away from home, skipping school, doing things that caused more stress, arguing with teachers, and not caring about school. The last month of school is when reality hits. I had all F’s in most of my classes. After I went to therapy to talk about my emotions and was given anxiety medication; I raised my grades up to a C. By the time sophomore year came around I stepped into school with a good mind set and had my goals all figured out. Ever since then I have become a straight A student from sophomore year all the way to being a senior. Meditation every night before bed, eating a good breakfast so I am not hungry during class, and making sure that I remind myself of the goals I want to accomplish in life has helped me overcome this challenging experience.