Learning to Speak Up by Arielle

Learning to Speak Up by Arielle - May 2026 Scholarship Essay

A challenge I once found intimidating was speaking up for myself and sharing my ideas in academic settings. In high school, I often had thoughts or answers I felt confident about, but I hesitated to speak out of fear of being wrong or judged. Even when I understood the material, I would stay quiet, which limited my participation and sometimes made me feel like I was not fully reaching my potential.
My learning environment also played a role in this challenge. I spent two years attending school in person and then transitioned to two years of homeschooling. The shift required me to adjust in different ways. In traditional school, I was surrounded by classmates and teachers every day, but I still struggled with confidence when speaking in group settings. During homeschooling, I had more independence and flexibility, but I had fewer opportunities for live discussion, which made it even harder to practice speaking up and sharing my thoughts out loud.
Over time, I began to change through small but meaningful experiences. One of my teachers encouraged me to contribute during a class discussion, and although I was nervous, I decided to speak. My response was received positively, and that moment helped me realize that my ideas had value. It was not about being perfect, but about participating and learning. After that, I started setting small goals for myself, like answering at least one question during lessons or speaking during group activities whenever possible.
Another important change was my mindset. Instead of focusing on the possibility of being wrong, I started focusing on growth and improvement. I realized that mistakes are part of learning and not something to fear. Each time I participated, it became easier to speak up again.
Now, what once felt intimidating feels manageable and even natural. I actively participate in discussions and feel more confident expressing my ideas. This growth has helped me become more self assured, engaged, and willing to take academic risks. It has also shown me that confidence is something you build over time through practice, persistence, and stepping outside of your comfort zone.