Determination by Abigail

Determination by Abigail - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

The academic accomplishment I am most proud of is finishing all but one high school credit before my senior year. Next fall, I will attend Oral Roberts University and major in Public Relations. I determined, as a homeschooled eighth grader, to complete high school early. Being homeschooled has benefitted me greatly, including the ability to work at my own pace. Education is extremely important and beneficial; however, I decided not to spend more time on it than necessary. The world is full of opportunities and experiences for an educated person to experience. Also, there are many ways we can impact the world and make it a better place. There are so many people around me that I want to impact. I strive to be a friend and encourager to those around me in addition to a role model to younger girls. I believe that completing school as early as possible opens up many more opportunities for my adult life. This is why I worked very hard to complete my academics at a fast pace. Because I chose to work ahead, I was able to take dual-credit college classes. This has given me the opportunity to learn how to succeed in college while still at home. I have passed CLEP tests for two courses as well. Overall, I have completed fifteen credit hours of college before my high school graduation this spring. I am excited to enter Oral Roberts University as a second semester freshman because I will be able to earn a degree more quickly. I know that because of my hard work many possibilities will be made available to me in college. I am proud of myself for accomplishing this, and I am very thankful for the choice my parents made to homeschool me.
Seeing my goal become a reality is very motivating. I learned a lot during these past four years. First of all, determination is vital to achieve academic goals. Even with set-backs, one with determination can conquer those trials and stand back up again. Also, with hard work and motivation, one can accomplish anything. Self-motivation is crucial to academic success. Lastly, I learned that setting goals is very important. Without goals, people cannot often move ahead as quickly or as far as those with goals. Setting achievable goals and seeing them become a reality helps keep me motivated to continue pressing forward toward the higher goals I have set for myself for college and my future career.
Overall, completing high school early is the academic achievement I am most proud of. It has been a lot of work, but I have grown as a person through my high school years. I am confident that as I enter college next fall I will be adequately prepared to succeed and earn a degree in Public Relations. As proven in my own life, I know that with the qualities of determination, hard work, and motivation others can achieve their goals as well. I believe that anyone who determines to do something can accomplish amazing things and change the world one step at a time.