An important lesson by Toni-Ann

An important lesson by Toni-Ann - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

One of the most important lessons I have learned from a fictional character came from the main girl in the story Claiming the Stars. Throughout the book, she showed determination, strength, and a deep commitment to her education. No matter what challenges she faced or who tried to distract her, she never lost sight of what she wanted for her future. What stood out to me most was how she refused to give up her goals for anyone else—not even for love. That lesson really stayed with me because I realized that sometimes, when we care deeply about someone, it’s easy to lose focus on ourselves and what truly matters.

In the story, the girl faced many situations where she had to choose between following her dreams and giving in to emotional distractions. While others might have chosen the easier path and settled for less, she continued to push forward and chase her goals. She believed that education was her key to a better life, and she didn’t want to let anyone take that away from her. This reminded me of my own experiences—trying to balance my relationship with my education and realizing how easy it is to lose focus when emotions get involved. Like her, I wanted to succeed and move forward, but I often felt torn between love and my goals.

At one point, I thought I could manage both—a relationship and my education—without one getting in the way of the other. But over time, I realized that not everyone will support you the way you support them. Sometimes people say they’ll be there, but their actions don’t match their words. The girl in Claiming the Stars helped me see that when someone truly cares about you, they won’t stand in the way of your growth. Instead, they’ll encourage it. If they’re meant for you, they will come back into your life at the right time and go above and beyond to show they care.

Her story reminded me that it’s okay to prioritize myself and my future. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to love someone, but love should never come at the cost of your dreams. Before reading the story, I sometimes felt guilty for putting my education first or choosing to focus on myself. But seeing how the girl in Claiming the Stars made sacrifices to stay true to her goals inspired me. It made me realize that determination and self-respect are just as important as love and connection.

Another powerful part of the lesson was understanding that education is more than just schoolwork—it’s about building independence and confidence. The main character didn’t see education as something she had to do; she saw it as something that could change her life. That perspective opened my eyes because sometimes I take school for granted or get frustrated when things get hard. But now I see education as an opportunity to build a future where I can stand on my own, make my own choices, and not have to depend on anyone else to define my worth.

In the end, the story helped me realize that it’s okay to walk away from things that don’t help you grow. It’s okay to choose yourself and your future over temporary emotions. I learned that people who truly care for you will understand your ambitions and won’t make you feel guilty for chasing them. The girl from Claiming the Stars taught me that it’s possible to love others while still loving yourself enough to keep moving forward.

Because of her, I’ve learned that dedication pays off. Staying true to your dreams can be lonely sometimes, but in the long run, it leads to self-respect and peace. Her journey showed me that success doesn’t just come from talent—it comes from persistence, courage, and knowing when to let go of things that aren’t meant for you. The lesson she taught me is one I’ll carry with me through college and beyond: that my education and my goals are not things I should ever have to compromise for anyone.