The Invisible Path to Me by Gavin
Gavin's entry into Varsity Tutor's October 2025 scholarship contest
- Rank: 175
- 0 Votes
The Invisible Path to Me by Gavin - October 2025 Scholarship Essay
In Invisible Man, the narrator struggles with feeling invisible because society refuses to recognize him as a complete person, and reading about his journey made me reflect on my own growth. I remember starting 9th grade feeling unsure of myself, especially in new classes and social situations. I often doubted my abilities and hesitated to speak up, much like the narrator, who initially believes that following the rules and pleasing others will earn him respect. Over time, through experiences that challenged me academically and socially, I began to find my voice. Joining clubs, helping peers with assignments, and taking on small leadership roles taught me that I could contribute meaningfully and that my ideas mattered. Each success, no matter how small, built my confidence, just as the narrator gains self-awareness and begins to define his own identity despite the expectations of others. By my junior and senior years, I felt more comfortable speaking in class, collaborating on group projects, and mentoring younger students. I realized that confidence isn’t something that appears overnight it grows with persistence, reflection, and resilience.
Reading Invisible Man reminded me that self-doubt is natural, especially when the world seems to overlook or underestimate you, but it doesn’t have to define your path. Like the narrator, I learned that true confidence comes from understanding your own strengths and taking responsibility for your growth. Looking back at my freshman self, I can see how much I’ve changed and how my experiences, both successes and setbacks, have shaped the person I am today—more confident, capable, and ready to take on challenges.