A Not-So-Simple Piece of Glass by Rory

A Not-So-Simple Piece of Glass by Rory - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

Lists, calendars, and routines—all things that are key to most people’s success—usually need to be written down. Some people have a specific app they use to keep track of these things, others use the trusty pad and pen, or just a planner. For me, a girl who has been trying to figure out her ADHD since the third grade, none of those things seem to work. I could use my phone, but when I’m trying to focus on a task, TikTok magically opens. I could use sticky notes or paper, but those always seem to get lost in the abyss. I’ve learned I need it big and in my face, but nothing seemed to fit that criteria.
I am a person who loves fashion, hair, and makeup. Not to sound like Narcissus, but I am always looking at myself in the mirror to make sure every detail of my outfit and hair is perfect. The mirror, a not-so-simple piece of glass to show one’s reflection, and I have four floor-length ones in my room already. What’s great about glass, I learned during COVID quarantine, is that it can also be a great whiteboard.
During 2020, in those long Zoom meetings, I caught myself doodling on my mirrors rather than listening to my Algebra teacher drone on and on about linear equations and exponential functions. This led to my downfall because when it became test time, I had no clue what to do. I needed to get organized. This led me to think: I could take this weapon of distraction and turn it into a weapon of great power and organization. I realized I am constantly looking at these mirrors, so why not use them as huge calendars and planners? This is perfect because now my to-dos are right in my face, and the only distraction is my reflection.
After a few trial and errors over the past six years, I have locked down a routine that helps me stay organized and on top of my very busy and hectic schedule. Every Sunday, I sit down with one mirror, using my rehearsal schedule and family calendar, and write down important events for the week, such as days I have to drive my sister to guitar practice or days I’m called to rehearsal so I know how late I’ll be home. This prevents me from feeling overwhelmed, helps me remember important events, and allows me to plan my nights efficiently. Also on Sunday nights, I write on my second mirror my outfits and hair for each day of the week, so my mornings run smoother and I can get out of the house easier. Then on Monday nights, I sit down at my third mirror and write down important due dates for that week and the next, based on what my teachers have mentioned. Finally, for my fourth mirror, each night I time block my homework and chores, planning out each night to the smallest detail, allowing me to stay on task and get to bed on time.
Now, it may seem small or unconventional, but that not-so-simple piece of glass and a mason jar of colorful dry erase markers completely changed my view of how I organize my life. It’s helped me stay on top of my schoolwork, manage my time, and reduce distractions. Most importantly, it has given me a tool to manage my ADHD and use my full potential. It’s a small and maybe a bit unconventional habit, but it has changed my life in more ways than one.