The Strength I didn't know I had by jalisa

The Strength I didn't know I had by jalisa - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

I discovered a new strength within myself on February 16, 2023—the day I was diagnosed with lupus. Before that moment, I believed strength meant being physically capable, always present, and never falling behind. Lupus forced me to redefine what strength truly looks like, and in doing so, it changed the way I approach challenges, leadership, and personal growth.

As a high school student and varsity cheerleader, my life revolved around long practices, competitions, academics, and school involvement. When lupus entered my life, everything became more difficult. I experienced extreme fatigue, joint pain, and days when even getting out of bed felt like a battle. I was frustrated and scared that my condition would take away the activities I loved and the goals I had worked so hard to achieve. In those early moments, I felt powerless.

The turning point came when I realized that quitting would cost me more than lupus ever could. I learned that strength is not about pushing through pain without rest, but about listening to your body, advocating for yourself, and continuing forward even when progress looks different than before. I began communicating openly with my teachers and my cheer coach, asking for support when I needed it instead of silently struggling. That vulnerability, something I once saw as weakness, became one of my greatest strengths.

Despite my diagnosis, I remained committed to my academics and extracurriculars. I earned honor roll recognition, maintained high averages in multiple classes, and was inducted into the National Honor Society. On the cheer team, I continued to show up—not always at full physical capacity, but with full heart and determination. My perseverance was recognized when I was named Most Valuable Cheerleader twice and received the Fighter Award, an honor that symbolized resilience and courage. These moments affirmed that strength is not measured by what you endure alone, but by how you rise with support and purpose.

Discovering this inner strength has profoundly influenced my growth. I have become more empathetic, understanding that everyone carries unseen battles. I have grown into a leader who motivates others not by perfection, but by persistence. Most importantly, I have learned to believe in myself even when circumstances are unpredictable.

Lupus did not stop my journey—it reshaped it. The strength I discovered continues to guide me as I prepare for college and beyond. I now approach challenges with confidence, resilience, and the knowledge that I am capable of adapting, overcoming, and thriving, no matter the obstacles placed in my path.