You Can Always Try Again by Shatia

You Can Always Try Again by Shatia - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

Throughout the years of my life, I struggled with striving for perfection. That desire may have started in childhood, growing up with a strict parent who demanded nothing less than excellence. It could also stem from how I’ve always viewed myself—someone who needed to be more, do more, and never mess up. Perfection seemed like the only way to be accepted or successful. But the truth is, I’ve never been perfect. I’ve always needed an extra plan, a backup, and even those plans didn’t always work out. Starting over often felt overwhelming, and the thought of trying again was discouraging.

If I could give any advice to my younger self, it would be this: you can always try again. Life is not meant to be lived perfectly, and there is no shame in beginning again. I’ve faced many challenges in my life. I became a mother at a young age, I survived domestic violence, and I even quit college because the stress became too much to handle. But looking back now, I realize that each of those moments shaped me, and none of them were the end of my story—they were simply turning points.

Young motherhood taught me the meaning of true selflessness. My son gave me a reason to push forward when I wanted to give up. He reminded me that my love, strength, and presence are his superpowers too. Surviving domestic violence taught me that while one person may have caused deep fear and pain, not everyone is like that. Healing is possible, and safety and love do exist beyond trauma. And college—the very thing that once broke me—also taught me about flexibility and growth. You can change majors, transfer schools, or pause your education. What matters most is finding what brings you purpose and peace.

I’ve come to understand that no matter the situation, I am the writer of my own story. Life will always present twists, cliffhangers, and unexpected rewrites. But each chapter holds value, even the ones that feel incomplete or chaotic. Today, I’m writing a chapter that reflects healing, transformation, and growth. I am focused on becoming a better version of myself—one who is happy, thriving, and loved unconditionally. This version of me still stumbles sometimes, but she gets back up with grace.

I want my younger self to know that she is an incredible author. Her story, with all its scribbles, edits, and purple ink, is powerful and beautiful. One day, others may even ask her to share it in a memoir. Every note, every doodle, every mistake adds depth and color to the pages of her life. So, to young Shatia: keep writing. Keep turning pages. Your happy ending is coming, and it will be worth every chapter that came before it.