From a Hairnet to a Habit by Elle

From a Hairnet to a Habit by Elle - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

The habit that has made the biggest difference in my academic and personal success takes less than five minutes and began with a hairnet.

At Feed My Starving Children, volunteering is structured and repetitive. You sanitize your hands, pull on a hairnet, listen to instructions, and complete the same task again and again. As president of my school’s Feed My Starving Children chapter, I have led dozens of these events, raising over $30,000 and helping pack more than 100,000 meals. While the numbers matter, what stayed with me most was the process behind them.

Every packing session depends on focus and consistency. Volunteers work at stations with one clear responsibility. No one multitasks, and no one rushes. Accuracy matters because even small mistakes affect the quality of the meals. Leading these events taught me that progress does not come from intensity or speed, but from steady attention to simple tasks done correctly.

I began applying that mindset to my academic life. Before starting homework, studying, or writing, I pause for a moment to define one specific goal. I then work on that task without distractions for a set period of time before moving on. It is a small routine, but it mirrors the structure I rely on when organizing a packing event. Focus on one station, complete it well, then reset.

This habit changed how I approach schoolwork. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by long assignments or busy weeks, I break work into manageable parts and give each my full attention. My productivity improved, my stress decreased, and I became more consistent in my preparation. Balancing academics with leading a service organization became more manageable because I stopped relying on last minute effort and started relying on routine.

Serving as president also strengthened my sense of accountability. When I organize a Feed My Starving Children event, volunteers, advisors, and donors depend on me to be prepared. Carrying that responsibility into the classroom, I hold myself to the same standard. I show up focused, organized, and committed to doing my part well.

What began as a simple practice during volunteer shifts became a habit that shapes how I handle challenges. By committing to small, focused actions, I have learned that meaningful success is built quietly through consistency. Whether I am leading a service initiative or tackling an academic goal, that routine continues to guide me.