My Song by Alexis

My Song by Alexis - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

An important lesson I’ve learned from a fictional character comes from Pete the Cat, who taught me the value of maintaining a positive attitude no matter what life throws at you. I was lucky enough to learn this lesson at a young age. My parents would read Pete the Cat books to me, thinking they were just helping me learn how to read but, they were helping build part of my character, one that I still carry with me today.
Pete’s ability to stay calm in any situation taught me to look for the good in every challenge that I come face to face with. In one story, Pete steps in strawberries and ruins his brand new white shoes. Instead of getting upset that his new shoes are now a different color, he simply changes his perspective and keeps singing his cheerful song. That image stuck with me.
Now, when I face stressful situations for example a conflict with coworkers or a disappointing grade on an exam I worked hard to study for, I remember Pete and his shoes. I definitely feel discouraged at first, but I’ve learned to shift my mindset and look for ways to grow. Just like Pete, I try to “keep walking along and singing my song,” even when things don’t go as planned.
Petes mindset has made a real difference in how I handle new challenges that I face. It reminds me that attitude is a choice, and with the right one, I can turn almost any setback into an opportunity to improve. Pete the Cat may be a children’s book character, but his simple wisdom continues to guide me in school, work, and life.