The Rock and Roll Outfit by Zoe

The Rock and Roll Outfit by Zoe - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

Little sisters, am I right? As much as I love my little sister and all the fun we have, I would be lying if I said we didn’t fight ALL. THE. TIME. We don’t have a lot of serious conversations or heartfelt moments, so I was genuinely touched when she came to me asking for help. Imagine my surprise when I’m watching TV, and out of nowhere I hear, “Do you have any ‘rock and roll’ clothes? Can you make an outfit for me?” Of course I had to help, or at least try to, but in doing so, I just felt a shift in myself. “Wow. She needs me right now” was my first thought, and then when I began forming an outfit and going through my clothes, I could only think about how I couldn’t let her down.
I have always thought of myself as a nice person, but I haven’t ever thought too deeply about how I’m nice. I especially haven't thought about how I am as an older sister, or felt like I was someone who my sister looked up to like that. That’s just never the kind of relationship we’ve had. So as simple as it was, these little inquiries truly did make me see myself in a different way. In the moment I saw myself as a protector, kind, helpful, responsible, and like a role model. I loved having that feeling of someone relying on me in a different way than school or work responsibilities. It just felt different. This is cliche, but it was honestly a warm feeling that made me feel full and happy.
I will admit that I also am studying fashion, and I love putting together outfits. So some of that excitement to help does come from the fact that my passion was recognized by someone in a way that felt important. It makes pursuing fashion feel that much more real to me, like my goal is closer than I think it is. As much as my sister has taught me how I love genuinely being there for people, it also made me acknowledge how important it is to me to get that support from people in my pursuit for a fashion career.
But going back to the “rock and roll” outfit. I rummaged through my clothes, and carefully picked out a patterned red tank top, black skirt, and leather jacket. A simple outfit had taught me so much about myself in one night about how much I enjoy being there for people to rely on, and how fulfilling it truly is. Now I want to, and will always strive to be, not only a fashion icon, but also a role model and that person my little sister could turn to and rely on. But not only my sister of course, but to everyone–all of my family and friends, and even strangers who truly need it.