Driven by Love: My Journey Towards a Brighter Future by Alyssa

Driven by Love: My Journey Towards a Brighter Future by Alyssa - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Every day, we all wake up with a motivation. That desire, that factor that propels us out of bed each day is inevitably unique to each individual. For me, it is neither fame nor fortune, but a humble, yet powerful, desire all the same – a dream to support my father who has tirelessly and selflessly supported me. His unwavering resilience, defying the toughest challenges my family has faced, continues to be my constant drive as I pursue my academic goals at Ringling College of Art and Design.

Growing up, life placed severe trials in our path that left considerable imprints on my life and influenced my perspective. This experience started when my mother was battling her drug addiction. Amid the crises, my father was my anchor. Without him, both my mother and I might not have been here today. Sadly, despite his best efforts, my mother succumbed to her battle, but he soldiered on, both for me and himself.

Every day I strive to honor his bravery by staying focused on my academic pursuits. I dream of the day I can support my father the way he supported me when I needed him most. His reliance on food stamps and disability, while humbling, serves as a consistent reminder of the precariousness of our situation, the reality of our every day.

In the face of adversity, I chose to persist. Now, as a rising senior in college with a GPA of 3.67, I am pursuing a major in Studio Arts—an avenue not typically associated with financial security. Therefore, my dedication to my studies and commitment to my future is not typical. It is not born out of a safe bet or an easy path. Instead, it comes from a profound belief in harnessing my creative talent to construct a better life for my father and myself.

My tight schedule of classes, art projects and college life can sometimes be overwhelming. Yet, every time I find it challenging to maintain my focus, I flashback to the fortitude my father demonstrated during our hardships. I remind myself of the sacrifices he has made, his ceaseless love and support, and it never fails to rally me back into action.

Additionally, my love for arts, a deep-seeded interest indeed, keeps me glued to my teaching and learning. Every stroke of color on a canvas, every sketch, every project I embark on toys with my creativity, evokes a sense of accomplishment and happiness, making the journey worthwhile and keeping me centered.

To conclude, the motivation to one day provide financial security for my father shapes my academic journey. The memories of our shared trials and hardship, coupled with my love for arts and the aspiration to utilize it to change our lives, keep me focused. I believe our actions reflect our motivations, and my actions demonstrate a determined student willing to overcome any obstacle that stands in the way of improving life for herself and her beloved father.

Grasping this scholarship would be a significant step towards fulfilling this vision—it would be a testament to my unwavering commitment to my studies in spite of the challenges, and aid in my quest to reach my academic goals, thus making me a worthy candidate.