#MomDadImAU by Casey

#MomDadImAU by Casey - April 2018 Scholarship Essay

At an early age, I learned that my education was number one. It was and is my job today. My parents have never allowed me to see my education as an option. They encouraged my love of math and science and pushed me every year to grow. Success in a high school classroom means success at a four-year university and eventually a successful career. With every new year, I have seized opportunities in the classroom to get me to where I am today. I have taken 17 Honors, Accelerated, or AP classes and hold a 3.855 GPA. I have not chosen easy classes for an easy A or for a higher GPA. I work part time and play 3 sports. I know what I am capable of and what my parents expect of me. Over the last four years I have learned what it means to be disciplined, how to balance my time, and how to prioritize my responsibilities. Their willingness to sacrifice for my education has cultivated leadership, a strong work ethic and empathy.
I have spent countless hours leading group projects in many of my AP classes. I understand when you possess the strength of knowledge, people like for you to lead. This year I was inducted into the National Honor Society, was the first Harrison player to receive the Burlsworth Character Award for Outstanding Character and Sportsmanship, the first recipient of the Mason Tompkins Memorial Scholarship Fund and the first Harrison student to receive the Kennesaw Business Association Ron Sumpter Scholarship. All of these awards are a reflection of what was expected of me as a young boy.
A tri-athlete and scholar student, my drive to succeed is fueled by my passion to serve my school and community, all while pushing myself to be the very best that I can be. I am a captain in football, wrestling and track. I have volunteered countless hours at our local elementary school, Brookstone Assisted Living Facility and with the special needs children of the Horizon Little League. All of these educational hours have come to mean so much more than "hours." I am leading and mentoring, as well as changing into a better version of me.
The opportunities to excel in the classroom, as an athlete and as a volunteer have helped me be a trailblazer who is both following a path set by others and also creating a path. I have learned what it means to work hard in challenging situations, to communicate/work with different types of people, to be a listener, and to lead.
When I was accepted into the Samuel Ginn School of Engineering at Auburn University, my (die hard Alabama fan) parents could not have been more supportive or proud. They have always wanted the best for me. In fact, my mom has purchased a new orange and navy wardrobe for me. The sacrifices continue. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Casey Chenault
#MomDadImAU