Milestones to the World by Vanessa

Milestones to the World by Vanessa - August 2022 Scholarship Essay

I remember my first day of kindergarten with great clarity. I had a pancake breakfast and walked on water for good luck and success only to almost miss the bus. What I did not do was enter my first year of school with apprehension or hesitation. I kissed my mom goodbye and told her I would miss her. Then, I was on my way. This year, however, as I enter my final year of high school, I am, in fact, filled with apprehension and hesitation. I have done this routine twelve times already, but on this thirteenth occasion, I am filled with nostalgia over what has been and what will not happen again. This year is by and far considered one of the more important years of one’s life. It is a year of lasts, but also of milestones opening to a world of firsts. This school year, I will be taking three dual-enrollment courses to help me get ahead in my studies. As a result, my main academic goal is to establish a study routine that will allow me to succeed in these college classes and in the future.

I would like to study economics with the goal of becoming a policy analyst, conducting research on how the actions of governments and companies impact local communities. I have realized that not every individual is granted, nor are they guaranteed, the same attention by those with greater power than them. My dual enrollment courses will allow me to further my education and career aspirations, even as I am still a high school student.

Establishing a study routine now that is applicable across disciplines and class difficulties will help ease my transition into postsecondary education. I would be more likely to take challenging courses when I know I have the tools to succeed. To develop these tools, I am first figuring out the environment where I learn best in. What I have learned from examining my study patterns in previous school years is that I do best when I begin my day out by focusing on my academic to-do list. If I am to start with a different activity, such as grocery shopping or chores, I feel too tired afterward to contribute anything meaningful to my work. If I were to plan out time during the day to dedicate to such other activities, I may be able to increase my productivity levels: when the clock is between these times, I am to dedicate my energy towards this activity.

I prefer a clean work area, free of clutter and unnecessary distractions, and stress triggers. I have not always been the best at keeping my space clean, so knowing that it is a factor in my success acts as a motivating factor. File organizers, folders, and binders will prevent loose papers from flying everywhere. Thus, the desk area will be kept in a state ready for studying, therefore reducing the time I spend cleaning prior to actually working.

Furthermore, as I take my dual enrollment classes during senior year, I am slowly introducing myself to the life of a college student. I have the support of my friends and family today so I can succeed on my own later on. My world of firsts cannot be achieved without reaching those milestones. As I begin to look out to the distant future, I have to remember to focus on the here and the now. I will be successful because I am determined to provide myself with as many opportunities as possible. Study routines, after all, are a small part of this, allowing me to build the future I want.