The Next Step by Ali Askew by Ali

The Next Step by Ali Askew by Ali - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

I love getting academic validation. My strong point has always been academic related, so I sought academic validation any chance I could get. Realizing that all your hard work pays off and getting awarded for it is one of the best feelings in the world. One of my most validating experiences was when I got accepted to Spelman College. I had the opportunity to watch all the years of effort I put into achieving something great for myself, unfold into what will be the next big chapter of my life.

Preparing for my new life in college, my goal is to maintain high grades while balancing a fun and healthy social life, but after knowing I can accomplish something as big as attending the number one HBCU in America, that goal isn’t big enough for me. I knew I needed to aim higher.

During my highschool graduation, I sat in the front row, watching students go up to receive their academic awards. I sat patiently, modestly hoping my name would be called for one of the highest achievement awards, but my name was not called. When it was time for the salutatorian and valedictorian speeches, I listened and I imagined myself going up to the stage giving a speech to the crowd. Though I was happy to see my peers be championed for their achievements,I also envisioned the pride I would have knowing I had the highest grade out of 300 students. I even tried to think of what I’d say in my speech.

As the families, students and teachers applauded the valedictorian, I went into a reflection and I came to the conclusion of my next big goal: I will be the valedictorian in my graduating class at Spelman College.

Though it is a tedious journey in order to become valedictorian, I know it's not impossible. I must learn to balance an academic and social life as well as my personal wellbeing. As a member of the Spelman College Honors Program, I already have an advantage to reach my goal. I’ll be granted many benefits such as taking more advanced courses and surrounding myself with other goal-driven young women like myself. I am willing to put countless hours into studying and putting my best effort in all my assignments. I’ve done countless research on the best study methods, the best online explanations for each of my courses and even figured out the best type of music to listen to when studying. I am eager to participate in this journey.

Valedictorian doesn’t only mean getting good grades. It means a student is able to balance maintaining a high GPA while also staying involved with your school’s community and participating in extracurriculars that can lead you to success. Spelman holds many opportunities for students looking for a career after college such as internships, studying abroad and hundreds of chances to network with alumni from all over the globe. I have made a promise with myself to be more open-minded and take on new experiences and meet new people that will ultimately put me on a track towards success in the future.

I enjoy watching graduating seniors from Spelman College give their speeches. As another young, Black woman seeking success, I’m able to visualize myself standing in their places. After my four years of college, I can envision myself standing in front of hundreds of students and families giving my valedictorian speech. I want to be able to look back and reflect on all the grinding I’ve done and confidently say I’ve stuck to my goal, and then complete the cycle by looking for what’s next. On the surface it seems like I am only after the achievement, but I am driven by the personal discipline and sacrifice that I have put in to reach my goal. I know that the more I improve, the better that I can be to and for others.