By Emily O., ’29
I stare into my bathroom mirror as I remove the mask. For the first time, I will attend high school showing my full face. I need to be beautiful, just like the girls on my TikTok feed. I examine each video, searching for the common thread. A hot pink blush gleams on each girl’s cheek. Despite the stark contrast between my pale Irish skin spattered with freckles and that of the sun-kissed influencers, I race to Target to search for the infamous Revlon Insta-Blush which comes in stick form, making it foolproof. Or, so I thought.
On the first day of school, I optimistically swipe the stick across my face, waiting for instant beautification. But, my embarrassingly pink cheeks redden as they attract a different type of attention. I quickly banish the blush stick to the back of my makeup drawer. In need of a confidence boost, I vow to add color into my life instead of my face.
An opportunity presents itself near the end of freshman year as I sit in World History class with my friends Hannah and Julia. Suddenly, they thrust their iPads in my face. They smirk, informing me that “Glenbard West is looking for its next weather reporter.” I join them in laughter but steal a second look at the email. My eyes betray me. Both catch my second glance.
“Oh my gosh, Emily, I dare you!” Hannah screeches. I shrug, click the sign-up link and hastily complete the form. Later, I am invited to submit an audition video. I scoff and close the email, certain I’d quickly become a social pariah. Yet, this could be my chance to add a splash of color, to take a risk and attempt something new. I grab my umbrella as a prop, hit record and recite the script. A week later, an email entitled, CONGRATULATIONS WEATHERWOMAN!, arrives. What have I gotten myself into?!
Suddenly, it’s time to compose my first report . . . to enter the eye of the storm. Conscious that every word will be broadcast to all of my peers, I keep it straightforward, simply presenting the forecast. Boring. I know something is missing. So, I create a catchy sign-off, “Keep it Cool in the Castle West” which references our school’s castle-like logo.
On recording day, I stare into my bathroom mirror once again. My eyes drift toward a single tube of coral blush I had been given two years prior. Its soft, sunset orange hue in stark contrast to that TikTok trending hot pink. I slowly dab the Glossier Cloud Paint blush onto my cheeks. It gives my pale skin a natural glow, one that emulates my happiness. My confidence shines as I record my first segment.
Later, when the broadcast projects into my classroom, my nerves take over. I bury myself into my iPad, trying to disappear. After class, I venture into the hallway, eyes glued to the floor.
“Great job with the weather!” someone yells. Another waves. I shoot upright, scanning from one smiling face to another. As I record more and more broadcasts, even people I hadn’t known before begin to say “hi” to me across campus. I’d always been one with a small, tight circle of good friends, but unexpectedly, my social network broadens as my campus “celebrity” grows. As I forge connections with new peers, my confidence builds. I expand my role within the broadcast and my school. I no longer recite the bare minimum but rather, report on sporting events and dare to write my own jokes. Contributing to our school spirit in this small way makes me proud. By trying new things and breaking the cage of conformity, I’ve also learned to love myself and my differences from the girls on social media. I wear my coral blush with pride for the freshman girl in Target. She finally learned how to be herself.
Admissions Committee Comments
Emily’s essay uses a variety of personal experiences to highlight how she takes risks, explores new passions, and learns about what excites and inspires her. From trying a new makeup trend to joining her school’s weather station, she shows how the journey toward understanding oneself and finding meaningful experiences is often one that requires taking chances. Hopkins values the process of discovery, both in and outside of the classroom, and Emily’s essay does an excellent job demonstrating the ways in which she has embarked upon that process. It’s clear that, at Hopkins, she would find ways to dive into a vibrant campus community and contribute in ways both old and new.
Emily O.“When thinking of a topic, I wanted to focus on an experience that was both unique and educational. Through my time as the school weatherwoman, I learned to seize an opportunity and get involved—two things I’d love to bring to Homewood campus and beyond. I also considered my portrayal of myself throughout the essay, hoping to bring my willingness to step out of my comfort zone to the forefront.”
