Do Now, Relax Later by Catherine

Do Now, Relax Later by Catherine - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

Common New Year’s resolutions include losing weight, eating healthier, putting yourself first, etc. All goals that are applicable for anyone at any point in any year. This is why my New Year’s resolution each year is specific to where I am in life at the moment. Currently I am an 18 year old trying to prepare herself for college as completely as possible, so why would I make my resolution to eat less chocolate?
Specifically, my New Year’s resolution is to dedicate all my extra time to earning money for school. No time right now for Netflix binges or three hour naps. I need the money and no one is going to just hand it over. If this means an extra cup of coffee in the morning, so be it. At least I’ll be able to afford coffee later in life when I have fewer loans to pay (hopefully). To appeal to those who prefer the broad resolutions I just rejected, I’ll narrow it down to one word. Dedication. I will put in the work now and if all goes as planned, reap the benefits later.
Now, how is this making me a better student? If I can get as much of my college paid for, I don’t have to be concerned that I won’t make enough money with my field choice. I won’t feel the pressure to have to go into medical school if I just want to be a journalist, which I do. 2016 is going to be the year of dedication.