What about me? by Brooklyn

What about me? by Brooklyn - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

Although I am only 19, I have already faced and overcome so much trauma. Someone would say they wish it never happened, but I choose to counter that argument. I would not change anything about my pass, except for the way I treated myself most importantly. If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to love myself more because I deserve it. It may sound cliché because for years that saying sounded like it to me until it was my actual reality.
Over the years I have tended to be in a constant cycle of heartache, whether it was from friends, family, relationships, or even just self-doubt. Through all of that, I wish I would have had my own back because at the end of the day no one else did. I do not blame the people who didn’t have my back but only wish I was a friend that showed up for myself when I needed her. I have been living alone in Atlanta for about Five months now and it has gave me a lot of time to reflect. I’ve learned that no matter what you are the creator of your future. Your perception truly is your reality. I used to be very hard on myself, especially when people would leave my life always, questioning myself wondering what I did wrong instead of being the shoulder I needed to lean on.
I’ve recently been changing my ways by giving myself grace and acknowledgment for all that I have accomplished so far at only 19. Although this is just the beginning of my journey, I already see how my life has changed in a more positive way once I started to show up for myself. I was a very bright, joyful, selfless child but overall I wish I seen my value more as a child.