Virginia by Brandon

Brandonof Round Hill's entry into Varsity Tutor's January 2017 scholarship contest

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Brandon of Round Hill, VA
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Virginia by Brandon - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

Philosophical Life Essay

Ray Lewis, a middle linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens once said, “It has nothing to do with talent, and everything to do with effort! Wins and losses come a dime a dozen. But effort? Nobody can judge that. Because effort is between you and you.” He was saying if you put in hard work and effort you will be happy with yourself. I agree. I want to live my life in a way that makes an impact. I want to live my future to the best of my ability. I want to: be successful in the future, do everything in my power to make my mother proud, overcome my past mistakes, learn from them for the future, and accomplish all the things that people say I can’t do.
I was born in San Diego, California and lived there for a few years. Then we moved to Winchester, Virginia for one year. We moved to Dallas, Texas, which is where I remember my childhood. We left Dallas when I was nine years old. I have lived in Round Hill, Virginia ever since. When I was a child I loved to swim, I loved to play video games, and I loved my dogs. Now, as a teenager, I like to play basketball, spend time with my friends and our pets are part of the family foundation.
I was born with cystic fibrosis. I do not know when my parents found out, but I have always known. I will always have it. There is no cure. It is the biggest obstacle I have, but I am not going to let a problem define me. It means I am sick a lot, but that just means I have to work harder. That has taught me how to work for things that other people take for granted and how to be compassionate.
I want to be successful in a career. I want to work in the business of sports, perhaps marketing or management. I currently have a 3.45 GPA. In my junior year of high school I missed forty days of school because of cystic fibrosis episodes and despite all the missed days, I succeeded in school. I even made the honor roll. I am truly grateful for all the opportunities that I have had in Loudoun County.
One of my big motivators in life is my mom. Whenever someone told her she could not do something, she always went and did it, and she was always good at it. She never complains about doing anything for me. Because she is such a great person, I want to make her proud. My mom is proud when I do well in school and when I do volunteer work.
In 2016 I found a need in Loudoun County for pet handlers to support a local no kill shelter. Every week, I volunteer in Leesburg, Virginia at Save the Tails dog rescue. I know how important pets are to our lives. When sick, it is my dog who is by my side and who makes me smile even when I feel too sick to get out of bed. Pets are also a lot of work and there are so many that are not cared for. I am just one person in this process of finding homes for the pets that are unwanted. There are so many ways to help in our community but our pets are often overlooked. There is just an assumption that you take the pet to the shelter. There are far too many pets put to sleep, not because they are ill but just because no one wants them. Earlier this last year one of our dogs got cancer. It was so painful to watch this wonderful dog that never did anything wrong lose its life to cancer. I know that healthy pets should not be put to sleep and I am committing myself to making a difference. It is not always easy work, but I know I am doing something positive to help find homeless dogs forever homes with good people and families. I have already helped well over 50 dogs find homes instead of losing their lives. I feel good working there, because I am helping. I also know that I am making a difference and I know I am making my mother proud.
I have been accepted to Arizona State University and University of Miami, ASU is my first choice school. I am looking forward to not only the education that I will get out of this school but also life learnings and be responsible for my own health. I will miss working with Save the Tails but there are no kill shelters all around the country and I will continue to do my part to help this very needy cause.

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