Three Turns to My Future by Lailah

Three Turns to My Future by Lailah - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

I pull out of my school's parking lot, make a left at the light, then make another right down the bumpiest road I have been on in my life, and make a left into the elementary school's parking lot. This simple routine, held every Monday and Tuesday, has shaped who I am and where I want to go.

I ring the doorbell and do my usual welcome to the nice ladies at the front desk, go down the hallway, find my class, and peek through the window. I see the second graders eating their snacks, and I'm usually spotted before I can even knock. They come rushing to open the door for me. Each table begs me to sit with them, so I make my rounds around the room, sitting down with my knees touching the very top of the desk. I talk to them about how their days were going or if they did anything fun over the weekend.

A highlight was when the class's teacher allowed me to guide the kids through their lesson and worksheet for the day. We read a variation of the Gingerbread Man story, and I walked them through the plot at the beginning, middle, and end. Some days, I help them with their math stations around the room, sharing little tips and tricks to solve problems or offering encouragement and motivation when they need it.

I have built a bond with these kids, and I am happy every time someone new wants to answer a question or gets a good grade on their test. I love hearing about the random fun facts they give me because it reminds me of myself, always asking questions about the world around me.

This small habit of mentoring has shown me how much support and having someone who will be there for you can impact others' lives. It has pushed me to pursue a career in civil engineering to support others. I would like to work with underserved communities and create programs to help kids get into STEM. The hundreds of hours I spend after school and the drive to the different campuses are all worth it if I can make a memorable impact on others' lives. Those smiles from the kids are my motivation to keep doing what I do and have shown me the career path I want to pursue.