Change by Josephine

Change by Josephine - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

I used to think everyone experienced emotions the same way I did, that the way I processed and expressed feelings was simply common sense. This belief was challenged when I got into an argument with my closest friends.

I’ve always had a “tough” mindset. If someone disagreed with how I saw things, I would just believe we were different and move on. The argument because I believe that communication is key. My friend explained that expressing emotions isn’t always easy it is hard, especially for people who view themselves as burdens. It was difficult for me to understand that narrative. I couldn’t grasp why someone simply wouldn’t just tell someone how they were feeling. My stubborn mindset only made things worse.

Eventually, I realized that maybe I had only been listening to create a response rather than to understand. I tried to resolve the issue with the whole group, one friendship couldn’t be repaired. It really drove a wedge between us and later on we both realized it was better to be apart. Losing that connection taught me something crucial: you can’t force someone to see things your way, you can only encourage understanding.

Now, I approach disagreements with more of an open and engaged mind rather than coming with certainty in my opinion. I’ve learned that people display their emotions differently, and understanding those differences is really what strengthens connections. Through this conflict, I learned to view both others and myself with compassion and a deeper sense of understanding.