Be Still by Jasmine

Be Still by Jasmine - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change… Water is adaptable: soft yet strong, flexible yet firm. Water is the element of change, and H₂O has become the symbol of my life. Courage to change the things I can… I’m continuously learning how to swim in the midst of my world’s current—sometimes flowing with ease, at other times fighting crashing waves. The shift from public school to homeschool, and the murder of my cousin, tested my resilience and put my faith on trial. Still, I never drowned. And wisdom to know the difference… Instead, my experiences taught me how to steer through life’s ebb and flow, reminding me of the importance of adaptability and versatility. These qualities have become enduring skills that assure me I can always turn the tide.
Living one day at a time… Transitioning from public school to homeschool was like being pulled into uncharted waters. The routines I was accustomed to faded, and over time, so did my friendships. Changes in social activities, sports, and a slower schedule left me feeling unmotivated and inadequate. Those thoughts became overwhelming, but eventually the sea in my mind stilled, and I found myself floating. Enjoying one moment at a time… My new environment taught me the value of creating my own routine. This experience clarified the importance of quality over quantity in friendships and encouraged me to embrace adaptability, transforming uncertainty into opportunity. Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace… Like shifting shorelines, I’ve learned to flow with circumstances as they arise.
Taking, as He did… Just as I was beginning to float, on March 4, 2023, water took a new shape—conforming to a vessel named Grief. The murder of my cousin was unreal. I had never felt death this close before—not like this, not with someone I used to live with, not with someone I was meant to grow up with. This sinful world as it is, not as I would have it… The phone call, the morning after; the viewing; the funeral—all went according to death’s expected sequence. Yet this was no ordinary death. Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will… A search was underway with a trial pending. Wave after wave hit, leaving little room for air. My brain immediately tried to calculate the wavelength; however, I yielded no answers. Grief can’t be solved with a formula.
That I may be reasonably happy in this life… My faith and family have kept me afloat during turbulent times. Together, we continue to honor my cousin’s life. I was baptized that summer, which gave me a renewed sense of strength. And supremely happy with Him forever in the next… My aunt reminded me to “Fly High”—to lead with purpose and give my best in everything I do. That phrase has become the current that pushes me forward.
Homeschooling and my cousin’s death forced me to adapt, sharpening my resilience and shaping my growth mindset. I now approach challenges as opportunities to learn and adjust rather than reasons to give up. This mindset connects directly to my passion for science and STEM. In science, resilience and adaptability are essential. Experiments fail, hypotheses change, and results don’t always match expectations—but progress comes from continuing to test, learn, and adjust. The same is true in life. Like water, I am adaptable: soft yet strong, flexible yet firm. I’ve learned to accept the things I cannot change and to embrace the courage to change the things I can. As I look toward my future in STEM, I envision myself not just riding the waves of change but steering my own ship—resiliently and purposefully—ensuring that I’m ready for whatever tides may come. Amen.