Shaped by Confidence by Natalie

Shaped by Confidence by Natalie - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

“Shy” is how I was described when I sat quietly by myself in a room full of other kids, or when I refused to ask my school teachers for help. But what I was truly facing was strong social anxiety and lack of confidence that kept me hidden. I feared that everything I did would be critiqued by those around me. My heart would pound and my cheeks would burn at the thought of standing to grab a tissue in class. When teachers called on me despite my unraised hand, the panic wriggling in my chest was overwhelming. The last thing I wanted was to be noticed in any way.
Then, slowly, things began to change for me. Throughout the course of middle school and most of high school, my behavior shifted. As I was pushed to be more independent and step outside of my comfort zone, I learned how to navigate situations that were difficult before—speaking to teachers, asking questions, making friends. My confidence grew, both in how I viewed my ability to succeed and in how I present myself. I found my interests; the activities I do, hobbies I indulge in, and how I dress, and became unafraid to express them. Most importantly, I realized that what other people think of me doesn’t matter. Everyone has their own lives to worry about, so I should focus on living mine to the fullest without fear.
My confidence has given me the ability to properly socialize and make connections with my peers and the adults who want to support me. In the past few years, I have met many new friends in activities like school, drama club, dance class, and tutoring. I am less anxious about making a good impression around adults. I now have the strength to try my hand at opportunities where success isn’t guaranteed, such as scholarships and college applications, without being gripped by fear of failure or embarrassment. While I am still overcoming my habit of aiming for perfection and accepting nothing less, I am getting better at realizing my mistakes without viewing them as an attack on my value. I believe that success comes to those that work toward it, and I am learning that the shift in my perspective on my own abilities has allowed me to push harder toward achieving my goals. Additionally, I am more comfortable expressing myself with my tastes in fashion, music, literature, and the beliefs I have about the world. I dance in public. Paint my face for school spirit day. My speaking voice is louder.
The person I am today is a million shades brighter than the anxious girl I was, and I am grateful for the people that pushed me to become stronger— my therapist, my family, the Lord. I hope that as I move into another exciting chapter of my life, that being going off to college, my independence will spur further growth in me and allow me to recognize more confidence in myself and become an even stronger woman.