What Makes Life Great by Aubrey

What Makes Life Great by Aubrey - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

Many times, as adults, we tend to experience feelings of regret or wish we could go back in time to correct mistakes we have made. It is a common human tendency to reflect on the past and wonder how different choices might have led to a different outcome. However, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. The triumphs, the turbulence, countless embarrassing moments, and times filled with love all contribute to shaping the person we have become today. These experiences, both good and bad, serve as valuable lessons that guide us through life and help us grow. Given this perspective, I do not believe that, if given the opportunity, I would offer my younger self a single piece of advice to alter the course of any situation. Instead, I would encourage my past self to be unapologetically authentic. If someone were to tell me that I am "too much" or that I need to conform to the mold society has set, I would recognize that such opinions are not meant for me. It is perfectly okay to be different and to embrace one’s individuality. The key is to stay true to oneself, regardless of external judgments or societal expectations. However, if I absolutely had to offer advice to my younger self, it would be to live life to the fullest. I would urge myself to seize every opportunity to create meaningful memories with loved ones. For example, I would tell my younger self to go out with friends more often, visit grandparents, go shopping with my mother, work on cars with my father, and build forts with my siblings. These moments of connection and joy are what truly matter in life. Having grown up too quickly at times, I have learned that certain things—like school or scrolling through your phone—can always be postponed or replaced. But time with loved ones is fleeting and irreplaceable. Once those moments pass, they are gone forever. Opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends may not come around again, and the regret of missing out can grow overwhelming. It can consume you if you let it, leading to feelings of sadness and longing that linger long after the moment has passed. Therefore, my advice to my younger self—and to anyone reading this—is to prioritize experiences over material pursuits or superficial concerns. Live intentionally, cherish the time you have with loved ones, and don’t take these moments for granted. Life is unpredictable, and no matter how carefully we plan, some things are beyond our control. But what we can control is how we choose to spend our time and whom we spend it with. In the end, these are the memories that will bring us comfort and happiness, not the regrets of missed opportunities.