Eye on the Prize by Brooke

Eye on the Prize by Brooke - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

Knowing what I know now, I would tell all younger students to be themselves and focus on school as much as they can. As cliché as that sounds, everyday I wish that someone had given me this advice prior to high school. Let's be honest, the four years we spend in high school can be tough and slightly intimidating, at least for me they were. It becomes more about fitting in, going out on the weekends, and making yourself known- and known in a positive way. Of course, I was a victim of these things and I wish for nothing more than to rewind time and tell myself to focus on what's really important- which is finding yourself, and reaching your academic goals. I was identified as intelligent from the moment I started pre-school. I was always very persistent, very dedicated and a natural straight A student. I actually cried when I received my first B in 8th grade! As soon as I stepped foot onto high school ground, I became a cheerleader and my focus was more on the popular crowd and less on my academics. I didn't know who I was, I don't think any early teenager really "knows" who they are, and if you do- kudos to you and keep it up! Needless to say, I let my goals wither away and my grades began to plummet. I may have been very smart, but I was also very dependent. I never received advice to be myself and focus solely on what matters for the sake and success of my future. I received advice like "High school is the best four years of your life, live it up!" and "You have the rest of your life to study and have a career. Have fun while you're young!" and I was easily mesmerized by this so-called "advice."
From the moment I entered kindergarten, I knew I was meant to be a teacher when I grew up. My primary goals were to focus on academics, maintain an outstanding GPA, and get through the tough years of peer pressure and crazy amounts of studying. I had my eyes on the prize- which was getting into my dream school, University of South Florida, and graduating with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I wasn’t true to who I was in high school and I put more effort into planning my weekend with friends than I did for my exams, and believe me when I say, it came back to bite me. Badly. My GPA went from a 3.8 to 2.5 and when I applied to USF my senior year, I was devastated when I received my rejection letter. Not only that, but I had only been accepted to one of my four back up schools. The good news? I attended community college for a year, worked harder than I ever have and finally raised my GPA in hopes that I would be accepted to USF on my second attempt. Thankfully, I was accepted and I am now a sophomore at University of South Florida entering the Education Program in the fall to pursue my dreams of teaching children!
Don’t get me wrong, high school and college are supposed to be fun, but in moderation. I know if I were reading this exact advice a few years ago, I’d probably roll my eyes. But it’s so important to stay true to who you are as a person, make rational decisions and keep your eye on the prize! It’s not going to be easy, but I promise you, it is so worth it. Parties, who you think are your friends, and your reputation as popular will be quick to fade, but your future is where you’ll be forever. Make memories but remember what will be important to you five years from now.