How helping her helped me by Gabriela

How helping her helped me by Gabriela - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

Iv’e known my best friend for almost half my life. She is who I tell everything to now, but there was a time where I would go out of my way to avoid having to talk to her. After COVID happened, we returned to a brand-new school, starting middle school without knowing anyone. We ended up having all the same classes, which forced us to at least tolerate each other.

At the time, she was going through problems at home and didn't have anyone to turn to, along with all the added pressure that comes with being a teenager. I was also dealing with my own problems, even if they were different from hers. I don't think it was a conscious decision, but somehow instead of that awkward tension that was there from our previous history faded away, and I was actively seeking her out. We were just two kids with a lot of problems and no one else to turn to, and found comfort from each other. Instead of ignoring her like I usually would, I made an effort to be there for her. It took some time to feel fully comfortable with each other, but once we did, we realized we had more in common than we thought.

Sometimes we talk about whatever is bothering us, and other times we would just sit there so neither of us felt alone. I definitely didn't always have the best advice, but made sure she knew I cared. Through this experience, I've learned a lot about myself. I learned that I am more empathetic than I used to be. I also learned to be persistent and to not hold silly grudges that won’t matter in 5 years. Helping her also helped me grow as a person, and it turned someone I once disliked into my best friend.