Blue Eyes by Isha

Blue Eyes by Isha - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

I wish I had my grandfather’s eyes. His eyes are the blue of a fierce fire, fueled by passion, struggle, determination, and love. Every time I tell him how unique his eyes are, a bright smile appears on his face, and he lets out a big roar of laughter.

A soft glow emanated from my phone, and my grandfather's face popped onto the screen. I held the phone with one hand and used my other hand to rub my tired eyes, vainly wishing to add some color to my drained face. I wondered how we could be related when our eyes were so different. The tiredness in my eyes reflected the stress and loneliness I had been feeling recently. In my mind, I felt like I was only known for making mistakes, and that no one truly loved me for me.

My focus turned to my grandfather as the gleaming sun shone on his face, illuminating it. I could feel the atmosphere of India making me feel at home. During those calls, it was just me, my grandfather’s glistening smile, and the feeling of my homeland.

“Hello, Isha! It’s wonderful to see your beautiful face today. ” He greets me with a beaming tone.

“Good morning! Thank you, you look very dashing today too.” I reply and we both chuckle. His kind words always made me feel special, a stark contrast to how I felt throughout the rest of the day.

"Your bed is beautiful," he compliments. The little details he points out show how much he cares about and appreciates me. It felt different and incredible.

“Thank you, Dada,” I respond, now awake and gleaming.

“Well, the bed being so pretty also depends on the person who uses it!”

“Well, your bed is really pretty too, Dada,” I say with wit on my tongue.

“Oh, beta, we have a tiny house with tiny rooms. Your house is big and grand,” he replies with a sad look.

“But my house is also your house,” I respond quickly; I didn’t even need to think about it. Looking up at the camera, I see my grandfather's small drops of tears running down his cheeks.

“Wow, beta, no one has ever said that to me.” He was overcome with emotion.

After that, I realized how important I was to him, and that I do have people who cherish and love me for who I am. I was too caught up in comparison that I forgot to live life and appreciate the little things. His words showed me how important the little things are, anything from a compliment to a kind gesture. It's a cliché, but finding joy in the little things is something anyone can do to fully live and appreciate life. My grandpa took the small gestures, such as my complimenting his eyes, and turned them into moments of pure joy. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to love yourself and enjoy every moment.