What I Learn From Feedback by Kelly

What I Learn From Feedback by Kelly - August 2026 Scholarship Essay

Feedback is one of those concepts that is important in society. It is a form of communication people rarely discuss. If a person was sitting with a group of friends, the concept of feedback does not arise in most circumstances. Yet it is needed in any society and culture. Feedback can come as a difference of opinion or even an opposing opinion. It can also be answers to questions. For example, a group can be sitting at a table in a restaurant viewing menus. Then the wait person asks what each person wants to order. That wait person is getting feedback. An observer will soon see a variety of feedback styles and inputs. One person wants a drink with ice. Another wants a drink with sugar on the side. This person wants the entrée cooked a certain way. Still, someone wants the appetizer with sauce on the side or extra cheese. Some people answer with a smile. Others will respond with a question about the entrée. There will also people taking a long time to decide what to order. As you may see, feedback is very neutral. In this case, a person can learn about people’s preferences by getting feedback to a question asked.

Most people describe feedback as getting constructive criticism during a job performance interview or on a school assignment. We want our supervisors or professors to inform us where we can improve and where we are doing well. Feedback loops become a mechanism where we can learn how to update, change or improve performance. I have grown from some of most harsh and difficult circumstances and relationships. I have requested feedback from supervisors, professors and even peers to see if I am interpreting situations a bit differently than most. As a consultant, I have been tasked with completing job tasks in a relatively quick period of time without people knowing each other’s work or communication styles. In this case, feedback is essential. In my employment and educational pursuits, feedback has especially shaped me having a continuous growth mindset. I embrace learning new things and have learned not to take myself too seriously. It has also helped me be very gentle in providing helpful and caring feedback to others.