Just ask for help. by Jean-Yves

Just ask for help. by Jean-Yves - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could give one piece of advice to my past self, it would be this: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to do everything alone.”

For a long time, I carried the pressure of trying to figure everything out on my own. As a first-generation college student with big goals in engineering and healthcare, I often felt like I had to have all the answers. I thought that seeking help meant I didn’t know enough or wasn’t working hard enough. I stayed quiet in situations where speaking up could have helped me grow faster. Whether it was understanding a math concept, exploring college pathways, or managing personal challenges, I tried to power through by myself.

But over time, I realized that growth happens through connection. Mentors, teachers, and peers offered insights I couldn’t find on my own. When I opened up and asked questions, I not only gained knowledge, I built relationships that helped shape my goals and confidence. That’s how I learned about Kennesaw State’s Mechatronics program and the First-Generation Pathway to Georgia Tech, which now forms the foundation of my college journey toward Biomedical Engineering.

If I had asked for support earlier, I might’ve avoided some struggles. Still, I’m grateful for the lesson. Strong people don’t avoid help, they seek it to become stronger. I would remind my past self that courage isn’t just about pushing forward alone. It’s about reaching out, growing with others, and knowing your future is built one conversation at a time.