THE COURAGE TO QUESTION MYSELF by Hasset

THE COURAGE TO QUESTION MYSELF by Hasset - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

One of the most difficult lessons I've learned wasn't accepting that I could be wrong; it was realizing how easily I could convince myself that I was right. I've always valued authenticity and wanted to understand what was genuinely true. Yet I eventually discovered that wanting the truth and knowing how to find it are two very different things. More often than I wanted to admit, I found myself looking for information that supported what I already believed instead of allowing the strongest evidence to challenge and shape my thinking. AP Language challenged those habits by teaching me that pursuing truth requires more than curiosity; it requires evidence, reasoning, and the humility to question even my own conclusions.

The assignment that challenged me the most was a media research presentation where I had to investigate a topic using five different sources. My teacher required that at least two of the sources present perspectives that differed from my own. At first, I saw this as just another assignment requirement. I walked into the assignment believing I could approach the research objectively because I saw myself as someone who was open minded and not easily influenced. However, as I began analyzing the sources, I realized I was facing an unexpected challenge: I was not as neutral as I thought I was.

The hardest part was not finding information; it was accepting that there was not always one “correct” answer or perfect argument. I encountered multiple sources that were credible and well supported, yet they reached completely different conclusions. Instead of simply choosing the perspective that aligned with what I already believed, I had to slow down, evaluate each author's credibility, examine possible biases, analyze the quality of the evidence, and determine whether the reasoning actually supported the claim. This process challenged me because it required me to question not only the sources I was reading, but also the assumptions I brought into my research.

While researching, I noticed myself naturally gravitating toward information that supported my original viewpoint. Without realizing it, I was searching for evidence that confirmed what I already believed rather than allowing the strongest evidence to shape my understanding. As I examined the opposing perspectives more carefully, I found that some of their arguments were supported by stronger evidence, greater credibility, more thorough reasoning than I initially expected. The more I analyzed the sources, the more I realized that my original position was not as complete as I thought.

The turning point came when I was halfway through creating my presentation and realized that my argument was not making as much sense as it had when I first started. Instead of forcing the evidence to support my original opinion, I decided to reevaluate my approach. I deleted my work and started over, this time with a neutral mindset. I focused on evaluating each source’s credibility, identifying possible biases, (including my own) and allowing the research to guide my conclusion rather than trying to guide the research toward my conclusion.

That experience changed the way I understood critical thinking. I realized it was not simply about being able to defend an argument; it was about being willing to examine my own thinking before expecting others to examine theirs. I learned that being open minded does not simply mean listening to different opinions; it means being willing to question yourself and change your perspective when stronger evidence challenges your assumptions. The final presentation became one of my strongest projects, not because I proved my original opinion was correct, but because I allowed the process of research and reasoning to create a more informed conclusion.

The lessons I learned through AP Language continue to shape my leadership. As President of my school's Unashamed Club and Public Relations Officer for the Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association, I often work with people who have different perspectives. Before AP Language, I might have focused more on defending my own ideas or proving why my approach was the best. However, I have learned that effective leadership requires the same mindset I developed through research: listening carefully, considering different viewpoints, and evaluating ideas based on their reasoning rather than my personal assumptions. Whether I am planning an event, making a decision for my organization, or working with others toward a shared goal, I try to approach each situation with humility and the willingness to adjust my perspective when a better solution is presented.

The lessons I learned in AP Language will guide me far beyond high school. As someone who hopes to pursue a career in healthcare, I understand that critical thinking will be essential when evaluating medical research, considering treatment options, and making decisions that directly impact others. However, I have also realized that critical thinking is not only a professional skill; it is a way of approaching life. Every day, I make decisions about the information I trust, the opinions I form, and the way I understand the people around me. AP Language taught me that seeking truth requires more than having confidence in my own beliefs; it requires the humility to question myself, the patience to consider different perspectives, and the courage to change my mind when stronger evidence reveals a better understanding. This mindset is one I hope to carry with me as a healthcare professional, a leader, and throughout every part of my life.