How I Should Have Listened to my Parents by Cailin

How I Should Have Listened to my Parents by Cailin - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

My parents always told me it would be easy. Super Quick. Not hard to integrate into my routine at all. And they best part, it would make me feel better. I never listened. None of the symptoms I have seem like a problem to me. Why would I go out of my way to fix it? This all started when I went in for a routine check up at my local doctors office. "You look pale" She said. I think I always look like this though. "Lets run a blood test" She offered. When my results came back, low iron, like everyone suspected. Always tired, shortness of breath, pale, cold hands and feet, lightheadedness, headaches. All symptoms of an iron deficiency, all describing me. She prescribed an iron supplement and told me to take it everyday. I just didn't have time for that. I was always busy with school, volleyball, work, and having a social life. I don't want to add anything else on top of it. I know this sounds dramatic, but if I'm being honest, I forget. It is easy to forget about a tiny pill everyday especially when I have so much going on. My parents would ask me if I have been taking it, and I would tell the the truth, I forgot. They would be so mad that I can't listen to the doctor and say I would never get better. Well I'm not sick so its not like I cared. My dad started giving me the iron in the morning before school, but he would also forget most days. See how easy it is to forget now? This cycle went on and on. Until I moved to college, now I had to restart everything and redefine my daily routine. My parents made me bring the iron supplements of course. Since I was having to start fresh and rebuild my habits I started taking them everyday. Right after I brush my teeth I sit at my desk and get ready for the day. During this time I also take my vitamins and my iron. I now realize I should have listened to my parents and doctor. Although there wasn't anything wrong before hand, its definitely better. I don't take naps during the day anymore, I am less pale, and I don't get dizzy as often. Life is better now. This also helps with my productivity. I would usually be so tired I often stop projects in the middle just so I can nap. I would sleep after doing anything, I was just so tired. Now I actually finish my assignments without them being rushed so I can lay in bed. My grades are better and my room is cleaner. Everything is better.