The Courage for New Experiences by Reese

The Courage for New Experiences by Reese - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

In high school, many of my classes involved social activities. In their lifetime, many have experienced the positive and negative aspects of a group project. I had always dreaded these assignment. In elementary and middle school, I will admit that I was also a horrible partner myself. I would take control, self-appointing myself as the leader of the group. While I am glad I have the confidence to take such initiative, it also caused me to block others from participating in the group project. I couldn’t trust others with any of the more challenging parts of the assignment. Luckily, I had a twin who I did know would be reliable and produce high grade worthy work. This led me and my sibling to always choose one another. Although, this also excluded us from social opportunities, leaving us to have very few friends throughout our academic careers. However, this all changed in high school. I’d never had an entirely separate schedule from my twin, and it terrified me. However, I was encouraged by my family to enjoy the new aspects of high school and join clubs. While there were organizations that both of us could join, such as the reading club, neither of us did. Instead, I joined Mock Trial while my twin signed up for the art club.
Not only did the Mock Trial encourage me to have more confidence and speak up, but it also taught me how to work with a larger team. I was no longer a unit of two. Instead, I could be seen for my individual participation. No longer was I constantly using “we” and “our,” but rather “I” and “my.” Going through high school no longer attached at the hip, my sibling and I have developed into our own people. For example, our dress styles have changed dramatically. While this might not seem that big, for a twin it can be. Discovering our own styles has promoted the idea of us being different people.
By having the courage to step outside my comfort zone and have new experiences, academic clubs have enabled me to better succeed in high school. I am a more social individual who is able and enjoys collaborating with others on a group project. I have learned that when different students come together with differing, creative ideas, a more unique project will be produced. For many career paths, it is essential for people to learn to work as a unite. School helps cultivate such skills so that students can succeed. Therefore, I know that I will achieve greater success in my academic career and beyond after overcoming this challenge.