Learning From My Peers by Naomi

Learning From My Peers by Naomi - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

I popped a half-melted, chocolatey Crunch bar in my mouth. It was almost midnight, but tradition called for a gas station run after every concert. Per usual, our friends had backed the ends of their trucks together, creating a hollowed out space in the beds where fourteen of us were successfully crammed. It wasn’t until I was getting back in my car that I noticed a text from a freshman girl I was mentoring.
“I know this is random but i rlly want you to know how much i appreciate you. When we first started band camp i had a breakdown the previous night because i was so scared of getting left out and feeling unwanted. But you were so friendly to me and made me realize that not everyone in the world sucks lol. You really changed my life, idek if i would be alive right now if it wasn’t for you. I love you so much and thank you for everything, Naomi, i cant wait for next year with you.”
My first reaction to seeing this was surprise, I didn’t even know what I did that meant that much to her. But, in a way, I did understand—her story was similar to mine.
For most of my life, I didn’t know many older kids. I am the oldest of three, and growing up it was difficult to find mature kids to look up to. But that all changed my second year of high school.
My entire first year of high school I didn’t really “fit in” with a group. We had recently moved, and the pandemic stopped me from getting to know people in middle school, so I just floated around most of the year, quiet and withdrawn.
That year was really lonely for me. And that’s why the next year I decided to join the Marching Band.
It was the best decision I ever made.
The first day of practice, I was terrified. I almost didn’t go because of how nervous I was. When I got there, two people were waiting for the new members—the two people I would grow to admire the most. They were Chloe and Courtney, and although they were only 17, without their influence I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Chloe was one of the band’s drum majors. She was extremely kind and compassionate, and would always go out of her way to make me feel included and at home. Courtney was the section leader for all the flute players, like me. She was headstrong and resilient, and an inspiring leader, who always stayed true to herself.
Together, these upperclassmen showed me what being a leader looked like: how to be compassionate and understanding, how to be a mature adult, to look out for other people, to handle difficult situations, and to include others. They showed me cool campus spots, teachers to avoid, invited me to lunch, and gave advice. Although they were older, they cared. I admired that our seniors went out of their way to make the underclassmen feel accepted, even when it wasn’t convenient for them.
Chloe and Courtney shaped me into who I am. The shy, quiet freshman gradually evolved into a bubbly extrovert. Now, my fear of new interactions has transformed into an opportunity; I am eager to pay things forward by helping and being there for others.
Since these upperclassmen graduated, I have slid into the role of greeting the new 9th graders and welcoming them into the band. I actually became close with a lot of the newer members, such as the girl who sent me that text, and it really is special to know that I had such an impact. I know how scary a new place can be at first, and no one should feel like they aren’t welcome or seen–-or more importantly, understood.
I still admire Chloe and Courtney. In fact I still sometimes contact them, even for advice. My time with them taught me how to bring people together, and that the value of belonging is the root of real growth. Building a strong community and relationships is a skill that I now can use anywhere. Because of these two girls I have the experience now to overcome the anxiety of finding my people, and how to help others overcome it too.