Finding Confidence Through Challenges by Nuraz

Finding Confidence Through Challenges by Nuraz - May 2026 Scholarship Essay

A challenge I used to be intimidated by was speaking up and being a leader in a group. I used to have a lot of anxiety and fear of making mistakes and others judging me when I first started high school for sharing ideas. I would typically not speak up in class or accept leadership on group projects, even if I had some ideas to share.

I came to understand that in time I was being stifled, as a student and as a person, from expanding myself, by not saying something. I became aware that in time, my silence was a limitation to my growth as a student and a person. I started pushing myself to speak more in class, interact more with classmates and got out of my comfort zone when discussing material, presenting, and during class projects. The more I worked, the surer I was of myself. I realized that being a leader is not about being perfect, it's about being willing to put in, it's about communicating and it's about helping others.

Working with various groups of people on school projects and volunteering was a great area in which to grow. These experiences developed my sense of teamwork and communication and helped me to get used to saying what I think and listening to others. Rather than being daunting, I now view challenges such as presentation, teamwork, and leadership as opportunities to enhance myself.

This has also given me a boost of confidence to go through for my future aspirations in healthcare. I know that as a doctor I will have to be able to communicate, lead and be calm in challenging situations. Through overcoming my fear to be the voice that raised up, I've seen that's how growth happens, when people take themselves outside their comfort zone.