Guided By the Heart: My Academic Journey and Motivation by Apryl

Guided By the Heart: My Academic Journey and Motivation by Apryl - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

From a young age, I was imbued with a potent truth that resonates as I navigate my academic journey: life is not only about advancing one’s self but also about creating a path for those who will come after. Today, as I prepare to enroll at Florida A&M University as a Biology major, a quote by Sir Isaac Newton aptly summarizes my motivation: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” The giant in my life, one who has truly paved the way for me, is my mother.

As a hardworking black woman, my mother has fought against societal headwinds to make a better life, not just for herself, but also for those around her. She offered me an intimate look at the power of education, resilience, and determination. Seeing her rise and conquer challenges has fueled my desire to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, where I can transform lives and contribute vital representation to a field in need of greater diversity. I hold on to an unflinching motivation to inspire other minorities as well - to show them that with persistent effort, the height of one's dreams is the only limitation.

To fulfill this arduous but rewarding journey, I am aware that diligence, discipline, focus, and a slew of other virtues need to become my close allies. However, in the age of digital distraction, maintaining a consistent focus can be challenging.

One technique that helps me vanquish these distractions is visualizing my end goal. With every biology class, every lab experiment, and every complex concept explored, a vivid image plays out. I see myself in the operation room, clad in a sterile white coat, surrounded by equally focused colleagues. We are about to save a life —we are about to perform a cardiothoracic surgery. This vision operates as a beacon, guiding me through a sea of distractions back to my path of intense academic focus. It makes the most tedious study sessions bearable and invigorates my innate curiosity about human anatomy and physiology.

Conclusively, my mom’s undeniable strength and progress have been the primary catalyst for my academic pursuits. My ambition to ascend as a cardiothoracic surgeon, my mission to inspire minority communities, and my constant quest for generational improvement serve as my unwavering focus anchors. I am Apryl Hester, a soon-to-be freshman at Florida A & M University, fueled by past experiences, guided by ambitious goals, and most excitedly, destined for a life of grand accomplishments and profound impact.