Gratitude For An Unexpected Opportunity by Catherine

Gratitude For An Unexpected Opportunity by Catherine - November 2016 Scholarship Essay

Having just barely turned seventeen upon entering college, I am most thankful for the opportunity to begin the college experience a year earlier than the majority of my peers. As a freshman at Coastal Carolina University, I am grateful for the diverse opportunities that have become available to me -- not just opportunities for learning in the classroom, but for growing as a person outside of the classroom.

This time last year, as a Junior in High School, I was inspired to accelerate my course work so that I could graduate early and begin pursuing a career in the medical field in the fall of 2016. This seemingly far-fetched and unexpected dream turned into realty in a more amazing way than I could have ever imagined.

I have not even finished the first semester of my freshman year and already I have had some incredible experiences for which I am extremely grateful. Last month, I was able to participate in a 10-hour deep sea
fishing trip arranged through Coastal's Scuba Club. This past weekend, I was one of only five pre-med students selected to attend the Student National Medical Association Pre-Med Conference at Columbia's Medical University. I had some amazing experiences at the Conference, including performing heart and thyroid ultrasounds.

In these few months that have launched my college adventure, I have grown so much as an individual. This experience is teaching me quickly how important it is to work hard, and to be grateful for your gifts and talents and not to take them for granted. This experience has also taught me to embrace any opportunities to work with others to make a positive difference in the community.

This unexpected opportunity to begin my college career a year early has been a great gift to me. I am discovering that there is not one single experience of this journey for which I am most thankful. I am most thankful for the complete college experience -- with all of its opportunities. I am truly grateful for the growth that this experience brings me with each new day.