Having Tunnel Vision While in the Times Square Subway Tunnel by Zuri

Having Tunnel Vision While in the Times Square Subway Tunnel by Zuri - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

As a Senior attending Beacon High School located near Times Square in Manhattan, New York, I have had to work hard on being distracted by the variety of people who commute, live and have businesses in the underground tunnel that connects Time Square to the surrounding area. It was easy for the 14 year old me who was overwhelmed with the amount of people who use the tunnel and I needed to find a way to get to school. The way my parents guided me was focus on your safety and follow the safest route. This seemed like an easy quest but my attention easily focused on the individuals with ,mental health issues, or who are unhoused, to the point that I was often late to school. This is hard for all since there can be several disturbing scenes morning and afternoon. Although I felt compassion for those in this situation, I needed to maintain my priority, which was getting to school on time and in a safe manner. I had to train my focal point and attention. I begin to use a timer on my phone and was encouraging myself to beat my lowest time each day. I managed to do this for almost 4 years and although I was late at times due to other reasons, my tenacity and willingness to take on my commute was a strength I didn't know I had. I reflect on this when I have other hurdles in. my life. I feel at this point in my life, I cna do anything.