Morning Routine by Elah

Morning Routine by Elah - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

I have spent years curating my morning routine, waking up to the sound of my alarm playing flute noises at a crisp 6:45. From a young age, I have been in charge of myself completely in the mornings. Having this responsibility gave me a strong sense of independence. Now, as I’ve gotten older, I have adjusted my routine to be shaped around my daily habits, and each minute is used to its fullest potential.
Every morning, I wake up knowing what I'm going to do next. In terms of personal success, having such a structured routine helps ensure everything is in order and keeps me calm in the mornings. This dedication to my routine has helped me not only in my personal life but also academically. Being prepared in the morning helps me throughout the school day. For example, recently I had a major project to present in social studies. The night before, I could barely sleep; in the morning, my routine led me to take time to mentally prepare what I was going to say during class, allowing me to ground myself and calm my nerves for my presentation. I value this time, whether that means staying organized or starting the day with intentional moments that have helped me become a more accountable and peaceful person.