learning to trust the process by Janiyah

learning to trust the process by Janiyah - August 2026 Scholarship Essay

One time I really learned from feedback was after dealing with my sports knee injuries. Growing up, sports were a huge part of my life, and I always pushed myself to do my best. After getting injured, I had to listen to my coaches and my school’s athletic trainer, who helped me understand that I needed to be patient with my recovery and not rush back before I was ready. At first, it was difficult to accept because I wanted to get back on the court and field as soon as possible. I thought working harder meant pushing through everything, but I learned that sometimes improvement comes from knowing when to slow down and take care of yourself. The feedback I received helped me change the way I looked at challenges. My athletic trainer explained that recovering properly was important because returning too soon could make my injury worse. Instead of seeing their advice as something stopping me, I started seeing it as guidance that would help me become stronger. I learned to be more patient, trust the process, and understand that progress does not always happen immediately. Since then, I have become more open to feedback in other areas of my life. Whether it is in school, at work, or through my community service with Bearcat Buddies, I try to listen to advice and use it to improve. I have learned that feedback is not meant to point out what I am doing wrong, but to help me recognize areas where I can grow. I am more willing to ask questions, accept help, and make adjustments when needed. This experience has also influenced my future goals. As someone who wants to become a sports psychologist, I understand how important encouragement, patience, and support are when helping others overcome challenges. My own experience taught me that having someone believe in you and guide you through difficult moments can make a big difference. Learning from feedback has helped me become a better student, teammate, and person. I have realized that growth does not come from always being perfect; it comes from being willing to listen, learn, and improve. This mindset will continue to guide me throughout college and my future career.