Meaningful by Alexus

Meaningful by Alexus - November 2018 Scholarship Essay

As a high school senior this year, I have the opportunity to create a senior quote to be published in the yearbook. One day in March of 2018, while visiting the Grand Canyon, a woman said to me, "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but the moments that take our breaths away." From that point, I decided that this would be my 'senior quote'. As soon as the words left her mouth, I knew that this meant something to me.

According to my developmental psychology class, at the end of ones life, they tend to think back and reflect on their past. I have heard many stories of people who are stuck with boring jobs to pay the bills. They wake up everyday and unfortunately, do something that they despise. Some would think that these people could be in that situation because it was their only option... Many people want to leave a legacy in the world, whether that be creating a cure for cancer, or just leaving the world knowing that they did what they loved. Personally, I do not want to leave the world without making a change, even if its something as little as changing one life positively.

When one thinks of 'breath-taking moments', a picture of a beautiful view would come to mind, like the Grand Canyon. In my opinion, many things can take ones breath away; A beautiful piece of art, an amazing accomplishment- done by an individual themselves, their peers, and someone who they look up to, or starting a new chapter of their lives. I want my life to be measured by the breath-taking moments of making my patients lives better.

After pursuing a higher education of a bachelors degree, masters degree, and a Ph.D after completing a doctorate program, I want to be a clinical psychologist. A clinical psychologist studies, diagnoses, and treats patients. Specifically, I would like to work with infants, children, and teenagers. I want to be the doctor that actually cares about my patients, rather than anticipating the money from patients. Because of my personality, I love to help people in any situation, and I never want to see anyone suffer.

My legacy in life will be to have helped as many people as I can through my career and natural personality. Every time I see someone happy, because of my actions, it will, figuratively take my breath away. Seeing someone get the news of a new treatment or medication to help with their mental illness will take my breath away. Hearing that my advice to a friend worked in a good way will take my breath away. My life will be measured by the good things I have done to help other people.