The Path to Success by Annika

The Path to Success by Annika - March 2021 Scholarship Essay

My stepmom did not go to college following high school graduation. She planned on attending Michigan State University, but decided against a degree and got married after graduating. Soon after a divorce and marrying my dad, she was hired in private aviation communications. She hoped to have an occupation in psychology, but she was comfortable with the job she had. A few years later, she explored the idea of a college degree. My dad advocated for the idea, though she initially shot it down because of her age. After further convincing, she obliged and registered as an online student interested in psychology at a state university.
The first couple of months were rough; her days started at 4:00am with a cup of coffee and a shower before rushing to the office around 6:30am. Some days she was home at 3:00pm, others were even more unpredictable at 5:00pm. She sat down at the computer after only minutes of being home and began school work until the sun had set and true crime shows had infiltrated ⅓ of the television channels (she liked the background noise). On the weekends she also attended kickboxing classes every day until 4:00am arrived the next Monday and the cycle repeated.
She finished her first semester with all A’s in the top of her class. To be blunt, she was utterly astounded at her performance; my dad, on the other hand, claimed he was not surprised at all as it was “just as he expected” her to achieve. We celebrated with balloons and ice cream, and every semester rolled around with the same result. After about a year, she took a leave of absence from work to focus on her schooling. The strenuous cycle was downgraded to simply “difficult” and the studying continued.
Not long after putting work on hold she was promoted to teacher’s assistant in her psychology class. Her performance in class continued to be impeccable, so she had the privilege of grading her peers papers and performing other duties for her professor.
Semester after semester went by, and graduation had arrived. She was top of her class. The smile on her face was unforgettable. She had not worn a cap and gown since high school graduation, and frankly did not believe she would be wearing the same attire a second time. Graduation was online, and her diploma was mailed and hung in the study. Although one could be satisfied with a bachelor's degree, she could never be satisfied. She has continued to work from home on her masters degree in psychology since the summer of 2020.
My stepmom’s absolute dedication to her passion is admirable, and when I find myself in an academic “slump” I consider her unfaltering work ethic. Her relentless pursuit for a degree years after finishing high school inspires me every day, reminding me that motivation for something I truly desire will guide me to my success.
I also consider the path she took in life. She prompts the notion that we all have a different path, and there is not a “better” or “worse” way to lead my life. Choosing to reach other life milestones before earning a college degree is not ‘the wrong choice’. She silently advocates that the path I experience is insignificant as long as I am content with the path I chose: taking time on my education is not bad nor good, it is merely subjective to the person prevailing.
In fall of 2021, I plan to attend college out of state. I made a choice to attend college now, which is perfectly fine. It would be fine to stay home for a while, or to attend community college then go to university, or to graduate with a college degree. There is no acceptable way to earn my education, there is no 1-10 scale of how well I chose or will choose. She not only taught me I have my entire lifetime to learn, but while I have the opportunity I should work for it. To put every effort I have into my schooling is all I need in the process; so, after only minutes of being home after school, I sit down with a cup of coffee, turn on true crime shows (I like the background noise), and begin my school work.