Where Growth Began by Ballkees

Where Growth Began by Ballkees - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

A moment when I began to discover a strength in myself was when I learned to distance myself from things that would not benefit me. At first, this decision was difficult for me because it meant stepping away from habits, people, and environments I was once comfortable with. However, I eventually realized this choice was necessary for my inner growth. I took the time to reflect, heal, and learn.

During this period, I struggled with self-doubt. I would ask myself questions like, “Was I making the right decision? Or “Was I running away from my problems?” I chose to isolate myself far away from everything and everyone, including my family. I spent days, maybe even weeks, in my own thoughts, reflecting on who I was, and realized that I prefer to channel my own energy toward my own goals. Within this solitude, I began to understand what matters to me. Although prioritizing my energy was sometimes labeled as “egocentric,” in reality, my mental and emotional well-being was suffering, and I needed to break free from that cycle. Through this experience, I developed a sense of self-awareness and learned the importance of protecting my energy. Over time, I came to understand that I did not need other people’s opinions to validate how I felt or who I was becoming. I chose peace over negativity and learned that silence can be a powerful form of self-growth.

One important life lesson I learned was that growth requires letting go. In the past, I was attached to the idea that certain situations would change, constantly convincing myself that everything would work out. I realized that holding on was only harming my self-worth and the peace I was longing for. Letting go and spending time with myself allowed me to rebuild emotionally and mentally, and showed me that my strength lies in choosing what is best for me.

As a result, I became more mature and confident in my choices. I learned that no one’s presence or absence should disturb my peace. I’ve stopped investing my time and effort into things and situations that drained my energy or held me back from growing.

Discovering this strength changed my perspective on myself and the world around me. I learned that growth requires letting go and that true strength comes from choosing what is best for yourself. This experience has shaped who I am today and will continue to guide me forward. When you feel like you have no strength, remember that it is never too late to start over.