My So Called Friends by Yadira

My So Called Friends by Yadira - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

Following the same examples as others around you can be a bit draining. Especially those who don't have strong academic lives. I had to learn it the hard way during high school. Leaving those toxic friend groups that would do nothing but harm my academic excellence made me realize that, after being trapped in a circle, there are good people out there who want the best for you.

I had the habit of always following this small circle at school everyday and coming home feeling drained. Their words had an effect on me, making me feel small. Noticing a grade dropping and having to get them back up was a nightmare for me. Until this school year, I wanted to do something about it. I didn't want to surround myself with people who would try to push me down and think I would never do anything about it. After distancing myself from every one of them, I have never felt the relief of happiness more. Even after all their immaturity, I hope nothing but the best for them because that's something they would never say.

Now that college admissions and scholarships are my main priority at the moment, I have noticed my motivation to do these has gone up. This wasn't the occasion for me a few months ago. I now have support from staff that will guide me during my process, all because I kept pushing it away. I can admit that trying to satisfy other people but yourself is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in high school. If someone had told me to do this anytime sooner, I would have taken no chances and finally built the courage to.