Stay Gold by michaela

Stay Gold by michaela - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

The fictional book character I've learned an important life lesson from is Cherry Valance from The Outsiders. One line hat stuck with me is when she says, “Things are rough all over, but it was better that way. That way you could tell the other guy was human too.”. At first, I didn't fully understand what she meant. But after rereading it, I realized the message: appearances can be deceiving and everyone faces struggles no matter how confident or put together they seem. What matters most is how we respond to those challenges.

this lesson became especially meaningful when I entered high school. My school is unique because it spans from grades 8-12, so when I started 8th grade, I suddenly found myself surrounded by much older students, harder classes, and an environment where everyone seemed to already belong. I felt out of place and overwhelmed, unsure of where I fit in.

Cherry Valance inspired me. Stepping out of my comfort zone I joined extracurriculars like Women in cybersecurity (WiCyS), soccer and track teams, yearbook, Athletes helping Athletes to list a few, making the most of this new experience. I was motivated by the reminder that feeling out of place is temporary and shared by others. This allowed me to grow academically and personally. I will always remember Cherry Valance when reflecting on how far I've come and all of the opportunities I've taken throughout high school instead of shying away.

The lesson I learned from Cherry continues to guide me: challenges will always be part of life, and they may look different for each person. But no one is perfect, and by persevering through difficulties, you grow stronger and discover more about yourself. Change can feel daunting, but ultimately, it is what you make of it.