The World's Most Helpful Text Argument by Isabella

The World's Most Helpful Text Argument by Isabella - August 2026 Scholarship Essay

"Take yourself seriously" is a piece of advice that I have not been able to let go of since I received it. During my first semester of college, I found myself in the midst of a somewhat heated text conversation with my father. While texting, I unintentionally used the wrong 'you're'. My dad, quick to point it out, remarked that I needed to take myself seriously. This was not the first time I'd heard this, but I finally understood what it meant. Instead of sulking and feeling bested in an argument over something small, I walked to class, my father's advice ringing in my head. I sat down, still focusing on his words, trying to figure out if I really took myself seriously, ultimately deciding "Not as much as I should."
. My original perception of what self respect means, was a depersonalized projection of respectability, a performance built on external expectations rather than a tailor made daily practice. My father's advice, given to me just as I was staring college, has shaped my college career so far. I have learned that taking yourself seriously is to respect yourself first and without allowance from others. I use to let external validation or a lack thereof, dictate my actions. This caused me to limit myself based on worries that I lacked what was needed to accomplish goals.
Once I learned how to take myself seriously I became less scared to stand out. I would talk more in class, second guess myself less, even do daily practices like make my bed and keep my room clean. These acts were done on the basis of taking myself seriously but also helped me to grow self respect. My fathers advice helped shape how I view myself, giving me the courage to take myself seriously before I received external permission to do so.