GUTS- Olivia Rodrigo Fan Scholarship

"Maybe I'm too emotional, but your apathy's like a wound in salt." This line from Olivia Rodrigo's "GUTS" struck an emotional connection with me the first time I heard it. It beautifully conveys the feelings that frequently come with growing up, especially while navigating the complicated emotional world of adolescence. Like many others my age, I've had moments of intense emotion when it felt like the world didn't understand—or, worse, didn't care. Growing up, I often felt "too emotional." Whether it was the pressure to do well academically, the challenges of keeping friendships, or the pain of first love, my emotions were always so strong and consuming. There were moments when I was taught to believe that my sensitivity was a weakness, something to be embarrassed of or concealed. But Olivia Rodrigo's music has taught me that these emotions are not flaws; they are part of who I am and help to strengthen me. In "GUTS," Olivia Rodrigo does more than just sing about adolescent angst; she gives voice to the inner agony that many of us experience but are too embarrassed to admit. The verse I chose relates directly to the experience of being hurt not only by what someone does, but also by how little they appear to care. This lyric speaks to the problems I've had in balancing my own feelings with the expectations of others. There were occasions when I felt my emotions were discounted, and my sensitivity was viewed as a nuisance rather than a strength. This lyric also captures the universal experience of feeling deeply and being met with indifference—a feeling that is all too common during the teenage years. It expresses the pain of opening up to someone only to be met with disinterest, something that I've encountered in both friendships and relationships. Rather than allowing this to damage my self-esteem, I've come to embrace my feelings and channel them into something beneficial. I've found healthy and beneficial ways to express myself, whether through writing, painting, or simply talking things out with a close friend. One of the most important lessons I've taken from Olivia Rodrigo's "GUTS" is that it's normal to be emotional, to feel deeply, and to communicate those sentiments without shame. Her music has taught me that vulnerability is actually a sign of strength. It takes courage to be open about your feelings, especially when they are raw and unfiltered. Olivia Rodrigo's lyrics remind me that it's alright to care, feel, and be moved in a world that frequently expects us to be "cool" and unaffected. This realization has influenced my perspective on what it means to grow up. Adolescence is more than simply learning to negotiate the outside world; it's also about knowing and accepting your inner world—the emotions, anxieties, and dreams that shape who you are. I'm motivated by a desire to live truly, to follow my passions with the same passion that I feel for everything else. This ambition drives me ahead, even when the way is uncertain. The line "Maybe I'm too emotional, but your apathy's like a wound in salt" captures what it means to be a teenager: feeling everything strongly and occasionally facing a world that doesn't seem to care. However, it also signifies the strength that comes from accepting those feelings and employing them to drive personal progress. Olivia Rodrigo's "GUTS" has taught me that it's alright to be vulnerable, and that wearing your heart on your sleeve is powerful. This lesson sticks with me as I discuss the challenges of growing up and the attempt to make a difference in the world.