Built to Last: Learning, Adjusting, and Growing by Sahara

Built to Last: Learning, Adjusting, and Growing by Sahara - August 2026 Scholarship Essay

Receiving constructive feedback often comes when we take pride in our work, pushing us to look past our first reaction and find ways to get better. Early on in running my own nail business, I spent hours practicing my techniques and creating detailed sets. I felt confident in my skills and thought that as long as a set looked great, the job was done. However, receiving direct feedback about how a design actually held up for a client completely changed how I look at my work and my personal growth.

When a client let me know that a custom set didn't last as long as expected under daily wear, my initial instinct was to feel defensive. I had put so much effort into the details, so hearing that it didn't meet their expectations was tough. But instead of ignoring the comment, I took a step back and really listened. I realized that making something look nice isn't enough if it isn't durable for everyday life. That moment taught me to separate my feelings from my work and see critique as a tool to improve, not a personal attack.

I decided to use that feedback to build better habits. I researched better nail prep methods, tried out new sealants, and practiced until I found a process that kept designs looking good while making them last much longer. Beyond just fixing the immediate problem, this experience changed how I approach learning in general. Whether I'm in the classroom, playing sports, or working on new projects. I started actively asking for advice and input from coaches, teachers, and peers because I realized their feedback could help me level up faster.

Learning from that critique helped me move from just trying to get things right to constantly working to get better. It showed me that real growth takes flexibility, open listening, and the willingness to adjust. Today, whether I’m tackling a tough subject in school, learning a new skill, or working on a project, I view feedback as a clear path to doing better next time.