An Open Hand for Others by Jaidan

An Open Hand for Others by Jaidan - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

It was the first time I’d ever seen her cry. An acquaintance, who always seemed to be on the edge of stress induced insanity, was tearing up in the hallway. Fist clenched and surrounding peers watching, I didn’t know what to do. My first instinct was to hug her but I knew she never liked being touched, so I held out my hand to guide her away. I found her water and did my best not to stare, she always seemed so strong, never letting anyone see her weak, vulnerable or scared. After a while she thanked me for staying.
I didn’t think anything of it, of course I wanted to make sure she was okay. As time passed by, the two of us became even closer. We talked more, went on a few dates, and I asked her out to Prom. I had almost forgotten about the incident entirely, until she brought it up one day. I remember vividly how she held onto my hand tightly and told me I made her feel safe. She had been scared because of her past experiences with friendship and love, but she trusted me more than she ever thought she would have allowed herself to. She was vulnerable and honest with me, and I felt honored. It was a wonderful experience, but the relationship didn’t last.
After the breakup I was heartbroken, I thought that it would have been better if I’d never met her. I wished that we had never known each other at all. It took a long time for me to get past the initial sting of it, but now I can say I have no regrets. Even though we didn’t end up together, I know that now she isn’t as closed off as she was before. She’s happier than she was, more relaxed and willing to be vulnerable with people. I know that we have both benefitted from each other's openness.
I’m grateful to have learned more about myself from her, what I want out of life, what my faults and flaws are, but most importantly that although it can hurt from time to time, I will never stop holding my arms open for others. Being present, understanding, and providing a safe space is the most important thing I can do in my life for other people. In a world that can be treacherous, I would like to be a rock to lean on, to provide comfort for friends and strangers alike because you never know what it might bring about. A touch of kindness can mean the world to someone, it might be just what they need, and lifting others up can empower you just as much as it does them. I will always hold my hand out to those who need it, give what I can and do right by my fellow human beings. Whether I’m met with scorn or if they become my best friend, the outcome doesn’t matter; what matters is staying true to what I believe in.