My Dear Brother by Saniyah

My Dear Brother by Saniyah - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

As a high school junior at Jonesboro High School, I have faced many academic challenges, but none as profound as the one that began at the end of my freshman year. It was then that I experienced the devastating loss of my brother, an event that left an indelible mark on my life and greatly affected my academic journey.

The passing of my brother was a shock that rippled through every part of my life. He was not just my sibling but also my confidant and role model. Losing him left a void that was hard to comprehend, and as I entered my sophomore year, the weight of grief began to take its toll on my mental health and academic performance.

The impact of this loss was most evident in my AP Seminar class. This course, which required critical thinking, research, and presentation skills, became an overwhelming challenge. My mind was clouded with loss, and focusing on assignments felt nearly impossible. The pressure to perform in a demanding class while grappling with grief was unlike anything I had ever faced.

As the semester progressed, I realized that I could not continue to struggle in silence. I needed to confront my grief and find a way to manage its impact on my academic life. The first step was acknowledging that it was okay to seek help. I reached out to my family especially my step mom and received help going to therapy and taking steps to better my mental state.

Talking about my brother and my emotions was incredibly therapeutic. The therapist helped me understand that grief is a process, and it was important to give myself grace during this difficult time. With her support, I began to explore ways to improve my mental health and regain my focus in school.

One of the most effective strategies was creating a structured routine that included time for self-care. I set aside moments each day for activities that brought me peace, like journaling, listening to music, or prayer. These small acts of self-care helped me manage my emotions and gradually improve my mental well-being.

In addition to self-care, I found solace in my friendships. Opening up to my friends about my struggles allowed them to offer support and understanding. They became a crucial part of my support system, encouraging me to keep going even when things felt overwhelming.

Academically, I learned to communicate with my teachers about my situation. My AP Seminar teacher was understanding and due to the fast pace that I knew I wouldn’t be able to take on I switched into a class that better fit my academic abilities while still facing challenges.

As I began to heal, I also discovered the power of channeling my emotions into my work. I chose topics for my literature class that resonated with my experiences and that helped me cope as well. Not only did this help me cope but for my new teacher to get to understand me and the process that I was going through.

By the end of my sophomore year, I had made significant progress. My grades improved, and I developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of mental health. This experience taught me resilience and the value of seeking help and building a support network.

Reflecting on this challenging time, I know that it has prepared me for my future studies, particularly in fields like psychology, counseling, and mental health. These areas of study align with my desire to understand and support others who are going through difficult times. All the losses I’ve experiences have allowed me to strive for greatness to honor my brother and to help others while doing so.

In conclusion, the loss of my brother was a profound challenge that tested my academic and personal resilience. Through seeking help, practicing self-care, and finding meaning in my studies, I was able to overcome this difficult period. This experience has shaped me into a more compassionate and determined individual, ready to embrace future challenges and opportunities in my academic journey and beyond. I know that he would be proud of me and thank me for doing the things that he couldn’t.