Advice for My Past Self by Calise

Advice for My Past Self by Calise - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

The advice I would give myself is to realize that everyone’s path is different. When I graduated from high school, I was on the path to attending a four-year college until I did the calculations that I could not attend the institution without taking out loans. I made a last-minute decision to attend a community college that made more financial sense. I was comparing myself to my peers because of the experiences they get to have while I stay at home with my mom. By the time I graduated, I was involved in Student Engagement, Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and graduated with Cum Laude on my degree. I transferred to a new university, joined the Honors Program, and became a part of another honors society, Omicron Delta Kappa. These are baby steps, but I am growing as an individual. I will graduate with my bachelor’s; that is all that matters. It took me a while to accept my circumstances and not compare myself to my peers. When I finally acknowledged my circumstances, I was able to embrace my time at my community college and make great memories. No matter what path I have taken to reach my goal.