Academics has always been my life. It has been there to keep my mind off drama and problems
I struggled with. Being a girl who thrives on competitiveness, academics was always a sport for
me. I would push to be the best and get the highest grades, and if I didn’t, I would be extremely
hard on myself. That’s why I chose this topic. Academics has always been a big part of my life,
so why not write about it for the biggest essay of my life?
Having good grades has always been a necessity in my household. It was supposed to be as
common as doing a chore. My parents would push me to get the best grades. A common
phrase said to me was “if you want it enough, you’d get it.” I didn’t know what “it” was, but I sure
wanted it so I was going to do what I could to get it.
In middle school I started getting High Honor Roll awards, boosting my confidence and self
esteem. I soon got into the habit where I had to get on High Honor Roll or I wasn’t good enough.
If I didn’t get it, I would feel as if I didn’t try hard enough. I sure wanted it, but didn’t try enough to
get it, or I could’ve done better. I’d get average grades, not too low and not too high, and my
parents would question why I didn’t get higher. So I would reach for higher. It got to the point
that if I didn’t get above a 90% on an assignment I’d be hard on myself. I was hard on myself
even with that 90% because if I wanted an 100% on that assignment then I would’ve gotten it if I
had tried harder.
I was constantly looking for academic validation; it was the only thing I could get attention for.
My parents would always talk to others about my accomplishments and the future I began
planning for myself, and all my old teachers would expect my younger sister to have the same
academic skills. I felt proud whenever someone would complement my skills, my higher level
classes, and my high percentages I would get in classes. It became who I was. I felt if I did not
accomplish those things then my parents, family, and teachers would be disappointed in me. So
I became disappointed in myself. I’d take the hardest classes, stay up late doing work, and
would fight to become the best in school. Doing this, I lost myself and all the things that made
me me.
During my junior year of high school I went online and began to understand that not everything
in life is based on academics. Yes, it feels good to get good grades, but it does not make up
who you are as a person. I took time to take care of myself and learned that I am a strong,
independent, considerate and caring, focused, determined, and ambitious young woman. I need
to remind myself of who I am so I don’t lose myself. I do - and will always - keep academics
highest in my priorities, but I won’t let it take away all of my favorite traits of myself.
This is why I feel Ohio Wesleyan University is a good fit for me. It is competitive with a more
selective acceptance rate, difficult courses and higher expectations of professors, and a great
psychology program. There are also groups that interest me such as Circle K, Creative Writing
Club, Roller Skating Club, and Service, Engagement, and Leadership. This will allow me to
express my academic skills and level of learning, while also allowing me to grow myself and demonstrate to others who I am.
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