My Life and Passions by Breanna

My Life and Passions by Breanna - June 2016 Scholarship Essay

I have an insatiable appetite and great appreciation for opportunity. In turn, I enjoy using the opportunity I’m blessed with to help others. I’ve had such a unique upbringing. I’m left handed, I grew up in a predominately African American area, and I began taking advanced courses in the 4th grade. I’ve learned responsibility and maturity by balancing work, sports, and music with my course load. However, this is only the beginning!
I’m always looking for new ways to academically and physically challenge myself. I've been in the Magnet High Achievers Program every year since the 4th grade. This gave me the opportunity to take challenging “Advanced Placement” courses. Granted, this ran the risk of lowering my grade point average, but academic growth is more important to me than metrics. Currently as a high school senior, I’m attending college classes through a dual enrollment program.
I’m determined to become a Neonatologist by studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Florida. I have a strong desire to help others. I especially have a passion for working with babies. I have volunteered at Cross Culture Church’s nursery since the age of 13. This past summer, I volunteered at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Hospital. There I had the opportunity to work in the Neonatal & Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the sight was heartbreaking. There were numerous infants and children that were hooked up to machines by tubes and wires. Some of them had external injuries and others had internal illnesses. Seeing that only motivated me to choose to pursue my Medical career in that specific field. Seeing the smiles on their faces when we visited their rooms to play with them really warmed my heart. Their appreciation of life really inspired me. I will eagerly take advantage of any opportunities to shadow, assist, and observe professionals in the medical field. At a certain point in my medical career I would love to travel to different third world countries and provide healthcare to children and infants who cannot afford it.
My love for learning new things has resulted in positive developments in the areas of sports, music, and arts. I've played soccer for 8 years and participated in cheerleading for 5 years. In my school’s band, I played the trumpet, flute, and clarinet. My expertise in film-making has allowed me to write, direct, and edit several Public Service Announcements, short films, music videos, and news broadcasts through both my Broadcasting class and Film club at school.
I’ve experienced a great deal of loss and tragedy which has resulted in a greater appreciation for my family and for life. My paternal grandfather died when I was young, my maternal grandfather passed away a few days before I was born, my maternal grandmother had cancer, and sadly my paternal grandmother was in bad car accident recently. My father is a U.S. army veteran and my family has certainly taught me the importance of discipline and character. My parents have raised me to have strong Christian morals and beliefs which has impacted my life for the better.
Living in a predominately African American area, but going to school across town in a very diverse setting was definitely something that I had to get used to initially. At this school, there were students with many different nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures. I loved the diversity! I’m fascinated with meeting new people with different backgrounds. Being a minority is difficult at times, but I’m proud to embrace my African American culture and heritage.
In conclusion, receiving this scholarship would be a great financial benefit to aid paying for my expensive out-of-state college tuition and fees. I’m excited for the possibilities of things to come in my future!