Let the Waves Wash Over Me by Adya Mohapatra (16, Washington)

I have always considered waves to be one of the most beautiful aspects of nature to exist.
​Their constant motion and ability to start over again and again in spite of whoever looks on exemplifies resilience to me, and I have loved this idea because it was a needed reminder that people always have the ability to move forward, as long as they let themselves do so.

---

I have struggled for a long time with recovering from receding waves and getting back to my goal of reaching the shore. With each setback, such as a bad test grade, harsh criticism from a coach, or a failure to meet social expectations, I feel like a piece of driftwood, floating farther and farther until I cannot even see the glistening sand. And if I fight against the water, with a steely expression and a naive innocence that the water is going to guide me, the stinging bruises left on my skin instill a fear in me to never try again. Fighting a miserable, one-sided argument day after day leaves no room for appreciating all my achievements, as I never look back to see how close I have gotten to the shore. I can only fixate on the fact that I have not reached it yet. But the only thing I need to overcome are the mental limitations I have set for myself. I need to realize that no one asked me to fight the waves, or to reach the shore. I define my purpose and must execute it accordingly. I do not have to wait for the water to embrace me; I can dive in headfirst and let the waves wash over me.