Looking back, Moving forward by Jamaiyah

Looking back, Moving forward by Jamaiyah - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could give one piece of advice to my past self, it would be to enjoy being a child because once it’s time to step out into the world as a grown-up, things can become difficult but that doesn't mean it is impossible
I thought being a child was an awful thing because I was restricted from making my own decisions. I looked at adulthood like it was some magical place where everything made sense—where I’d have full independence, get to make my own decisions, and finally be who I wanted to be. I often found myself thinking, “I can't wait to be grown so I can do what I want,” without fully realizing the value of the phase of life I was in. Now that I’ve graduated from high school, I will soon be a college freshman taking on new responsibilities as an adult. I’ve come to appreciate my time as a child and the peace in having minimal responsibilities.
I would tell my younger self to be present in the moment, by appreciating the little things in life. The laughs with friends, the after-school routines, the support of teachers, counselors, and family made me realize how much it all mattered. There is simplicity in being a child, such as the freedom to learn and explore without ridicule and stress. I could make a mistake, it wouldn't affect my life because I had my parents to lean on and that’s probably the best part of it all. I used to think I had to have everything all figured out, but now I understand that growth is everlasting; it’s okay to figure things out a step at a time.
As I take this next step into college and adulthood, majoring in business, I carry those experiences with me. My goal is to build a career that allows me to not only support myself and give back to my community but also inspire others to believe in their potential. I’ve always had an interest in leadership, and I’m excited to dive deeper into the world of business—learning how companies grow successfully, how to solve real-world problems, and most importantly, how to create my brand.
This moment in my life is both exciting and overwhelming, but I’m prepared for it.. Not because I have everything figured out, but because I’ve learned how important it is to embrace each stage fully and learn from my mistakes. Looking back, I appreciate where I’ve been, and looking ahead I’m focused on where I’m going. I also appreciate those who helped me along the way, those who set the path for me to walk with my own 2 feet.
In conclusion, I could go back and give that advice to my younger self, I’d say: “Enjoy the ride, don’t rush it. Everything will unfold in its time—and you’re going to be just fine.”