It's Ok, Keep Going! by Cailin

It's Ok, Keep Going! by Cailin - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could give one piece of advice to my past self, it would be this: You don’t have to have it all figured out right now—just keep going. There was a time when I believed that by a certain age, I needed to have all the answers—what career I wanted, who I was supposed to be, and how to get there. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect and to move through life without making mistakes. That mindset created stress, fear of failure, and a tendency to compare myself to others who seemed further along. But with time, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen all at once—it happens step by step. I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to explore, to change direction, and not to know everything right away. What matters more than having all the answers is having the courage to ask questions, to try, and to learn. Each new experience, whether it ends in success or failure, is valuable. Those moments of doubt and uncertainty are not signs of weakness—they are necessary parts of the journey. I’d also remind myself to be kinder to myself and others. We often underestimate the power of grace, patience, and self-compassion. Instead of focusing on what I lacked, I would encourage myself to recognize my strengths, celebrate small wins, and be proud of every step forward, even if it’s not a giant leap. This advice would have saved me a lot of sleepless nights and unnecessary stress. But more importantly, it would have helped me enjoy the process of becoming. I now understand that no one’s path is a straight line. Some people take longer to bloom, and that’s okay. Some people find their passion later in life, and that’s beautiful too. So, to my past self: Don’t worry so much about the destination. Focus on the growth, the learning, and the experiences that shape you along the way. Trust your instincts, forgive your mistakes, and keep moving forward—even when you’re unsure. You’re doing better than you think. In the end, life isn’t a race to the finish line—it’s a collection of moments that build character, resilience, and purpose. Just keep going. The answers will come in time.