The Power of Asking for Help: Advice to My Past Self by Noah

The Power of Asking for Help: Advice to My Past Self by Noah - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could offer one piece of advice to my past self, it would be this: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help—your strength lies in your willingness to grow, not in pretending you don’t need support.” This simple truth, which took me years to fully embrace, could have saved me from countless moments of self-doubt, frustration, and unnecessary struggle.

Growing up with a learning disability, I often felt like I had to work twice as hard just to keep up. I was determined to prove that I could succeed on my own, without accommodations or assistance. I believed that asking for help would make me look weak or incapable. So I stayed quiet, even when I was overwhelmed. I pushed through silently, hoping no one would notice how much I was struggling.

But the truth is, everyone needs help sometimes. And there is no shame in that. In fact, recognizing when you need support—and having the courage to ask for it—is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself.

It wasn’t until I reached adulthood, particularly during my journey to become a nurse, that I began to understand this. Nursing school was demanding, and the pressure to perform was intense. I realized that if I wanted to succeed, I couldn’t do it alone. I had to let go of my pride and reach out—to professors, classmates, mentors, and disability support services. And when I did, everything changed.

I discovered tools and strategies that worked for my learning style. I found people who believed in me and were willing to guide me. I learned how to advocate for myself, not just in school, but in life. Most importantly, I began to see that asking for help didn’t make me less capable—it made me more resourceful, more resilient, and more connected to the people around me.

That shift in mindset was transformative. It allowed me to grow not only as a student but as a person. It gave me the confidence to pursue leadership roles, including my current position as an LPN Unit Manager. Today, I use my experiences to support others who may be facing similar challenges. I encourage them to speak up, to seek out resources, and to know that they are not alone.

If I could go back and whisper one thing to my younger self, it would be this: You are not weak for needing help. You are brave for asking. And you are capable of achieving more than you ever imagined—especially when you let others walk beside you.