Can I Ask a Question? by Kim

Can I Ask a Question? by Kim - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

“Stay quiet, listen, and learn,” a quote my elementary teacher projected on the whiteboard during quiet time. I tried to follow it closely, since I rarely questioned adults as a kid. It was not because I had nothing to say, but instead I was taught to not ask questions out loud. This habit stayed with me until ninth grade, when teachers, counselors, and classmates started talking about college preparation, scholarships, and more. My curiosity grew faster than my confidence. As a first-generation college student with immigrant parents that hardly understood English, I felt confused and behind. So, I decided to start with a question.

At a semester scheduling meeting, I took the opportunity to ask my guidance counselor about college credits. I learned about dual enrollment and AP courses, which ultimately help me save costs on college tuition. These conversations continued over the years, and I chose business administration before my high school graduation.

After acceptance into Pennsylvania Western University, I still felt hesitant about my college program decision. I continued searching through my university’s website and discovered the Computer Information Systems program. After reading more about it, I reached out to my counselor and asked for more information. By asking questions, I realized it aligned perfectly with my goals. These questions helped me build connections with my academic advisor, who helped me switch majors and register for classes that were already full.

This confidence and curiosity grew outside an academic setting. My first retail job focused on creating a personal shopping experience for customers. I had to approach customers and connect through conversations, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. Over time, asking questions and learning from my managers helped me build confidence and earn a promotion into management.

I tried to listen quietly and learn. When that was no longer enough, I finally spoke up and started asking questions; I began to seek mentorship from every connection I knew. These experiences showed me that listening alone can limit growth. I realized my strength was not just asking questions. By choosing to speak up instead of “stay quiet, listen, and learn,” my curiosity and confidence became my greatest strength to open doors to opportunities and success.