Finding Strength Through Perseverance by Keira

Finding Strength Through Perseverance by Keira - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

I discovered a new strength in myself during my first year of high school, when things didn’t go as planned. At the start of ninth grade, I got COVID and missed school while classes were moving quickly. I struggled to keep up with my work, especially with my ADD, and balancing school with being on the volleyball team made it even harder. I felt overwhelmed and discouraged, and my grades dropped. At that moment, I learned that my biggest strength was perseverance.

Instead of giving up, I decided to push myself to improve. I asked my teachers for help, went to tutorials when I could, and stayed up late to catch up on my missing assignments. It wasn’t easy, and there were times when I felt frustrated, but I kept going. I learned how to manage my time better and how to ask for help when I needed it. Through this experience, I realized that I am stronger than I thought, especially during difficult situations.

This strength influenced my growth in many ways. It taught me responsibility and discipline. I learned that setbacks don’t define me, but how I respond to them does. Since then, I have become more confident in handling challenges, both in school and in my personal life. I no longer fear failure as much because I know that I can recover and improve.

Discovering my perseverance changed how I see myself. I now understand that challenges are opportunities to grow. This strength continues to guide me as I work toward my future goals, and it reminds me that hard times can lead to personal growth and success if I stay determined.