The Bookends of My Day by Sophia

The Bookends of My Day by Sophia - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

A little habit that has made a significant impact in my academic and personal life is reading for at least thirty minutes every day and night. This habit did not begin because I am unusually disciplined or naturally productive. It began when I recognized that my phone would be happy to occupy every quiet moment for me if I did not set aside time to read. Reading in the morning reminds my brain that it is, in fact, expected to think. Before emails, assignments, or notifications demand my attention, I sit down with a book and ease into the day. It makes lectures feel less like a shock to the system and more like a continuation of a previously initiated conversation. My focus improves, my participation increases, and I am far less likely to stare at a professor wondering how we got there. Reading at night provides a calm break from the stresses of academic life. Instead of scrolling into stress or falling asleep with unfinished thoughts, I end my day with a book. I can relax, get a better night's sleep, and persuade my mind that it's okay to sleep thanks to this habit. It also allows me to reflect, which has shown to be really beneficial in terms of idea processing and stress management. In addition to helping me cope with stress, regular reading has enhanced my writing, broadened my vocabulary, and enhanced my understanding of people and stories. As a marketing major, this is more important than I anticipated. Reading improves my capacity to discern tone, messaging, and persuasion without using a single pop-up ad. What started as a simple attempt to recapture my attention has evolved into a habit that influences how I learn and think. Thirty quiet minutes twice a day can do more for my success than any productivity app ever could.