From Doubt to Confidence by Emerson

From Doubt to Confidence by Emerson - May 2026 Scholarship Essay

A challenge that I used to find intimidating was asking for help, especially in school. I, of course, knew my teachers were there to help me, but I just could never get myself to ask them. In ninth grade, I was new to my school, not comfortable with my teachers yet, and not confident in my questions. I felt my questions were stupid and not worth asking because I'd get judged. Not only did I never ask questions in class, but I also never emailed my teachers for extra help or the questions I had from class. Therefore, I was doing very poorly in my classes because I did not use my resources. All of this changed in tenth grade when I met the best Resource teacher, Ms. Geiger. Resource is a program for students who need extra help with schoolwork, time management, or really anything. Ms. Geiger taught me not only that teachers aren't scary and they won't judge you based on the questions you ask, how to manage a busy life on top of schoolwork, and how to ask questions in an email confidently. Now, throughout my eleventh and twelfth grade years, I have implemented what she taught me. Getting over this hunch also required a mindset change. Instead of thinking negatively about my own curiosities or need for help, I changed my thoughts to be positive and understand my teachers won't judge me. I can confidently say that I can now ask my questions confidently in class or in an email after class, and arrange my time so I can make time for all of my priorities.