Carpe diem - Seize the day by Nashla

Carpe diem - Seize the day by Nashla - April 2026 Scholarship Essay

One skill I hope to master in the next few years would probably be stepping out of my comfort zone. I hope to actively make courageous decisions and to new things and new people without all the worries attached to it.

The pool was my first experience with the feeling of courage. It has always felt like a sanctuary for me, where the world above slows down and everything below just feels manageable. Underwater, I felt calmer, light, and just able to tackle anything. But in that sanctuary, I noticed that even if I was fearless underwater, I struggled to bring that same courage and confidence into my everyday life. I was held back by uncertainty and fear, because of this so many opportunities passed me by. I eventually realized that I was a lot more afraid of trying than of failing.

This realization inevitably pushed me to want more for myself. I started doing research on why I only feel courageous underwater and came across the ‘’blue mind theory’’, which explains how water promotes calmness and clarity. Instead of seeing the pool as the only place I could feel safe and calm in, I took that as proof that I'm actually capable of doing things without fear holding me back. I began challenging myself to learn how to bring that part of me into the real world.

I plan to develop and master this by putting myself through exposure therapy and placing myself in unfamiliar situations. I expect to pursue opportunities such as leadership roles and volunteering. I'll also continue to face my specific fears like public speaking or talking to new people. My ultimate goal is to make it a habit of not even thinking or dwelling on it just going for it. The feeling I have underwater will fully be there in every part of my life.