Finding Discipline in Creativity by Alexis

Finding Discipline in Creativity by Alexis - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

The one thing I did not expect was making this a weekly design routine, something I’d actually look forward to.
Going to the nail salon used to be something I saved for holidays or my birthday, just a small celebration every once in a while. When I decided to start doing my nails at home, I didn’t think much of it. I just wanted to keep up with something I enjoyed without always having to schedule an appointment. What I didn’t expect was how much this simple routine would shape the way I approach challenges in my life.
I’ve always been drawn to art. In elementary school, I spent hours drawing and painting, so nail art felt like an extension of that creativity. When I ordered a Gel‑X kit and watched a few tutorials, I assumed I’d pick it up quickly. My first attempt proved me wrong. The polish was uneven, the shaping was off, and I had more color on my fingers than on my nails. But instead of getting discouraged, I kept practicing. I saved inspiration photos, organized them by season or style, and treated each set like a tiny project.
As I practiced more, I realized that doing my nails required real focus. Shaping taught me precision. Filing showed me how small adjustments could completely change the result. Mixing colors became a way to experiment and problem‑solve. Some sets turned out great; others had to be wiped off and redone. Even the mistakes taught me something, mainly that improvement takes time and patience.
Over time, this routine became something I relied on. A full set can take two or three hours, and every step demands patience and a steady hand. After long school weeks or weekend-long volleyball tournaments, those hours became a reset for me. It was a quiet space where I could slow down, concentrate, and create something I was proud of.
That habit ended up influencing more than just my nails. The patience I practiced while painting tiny designs helped me stay calm when writing essays or reworking math problems. The discipline of sticking with a design until it looked right helped me stay committed to long‑term goals. Even the confidence I gained, especially when friends asked who did my nails and I could say I did, reminded me that progress comes from consistency, not perfection.
Doing my nails started as something small, but it has made a meaningful difference in both my personal and academic life. It taught me how to handle frustration, how to trust the process, and how to find joy in the details that most people overlook. It showed me that growth doesn’t always come from big changes. Sometimes it comes from the routines we build for ourselves, the ones that teach us to be patient, creative, and resilient.
Ten nails at a time, I’ve learned that improvement happens layer by layer. And that small habit has shaped the way I approach challenges and the person I’m becoming.