Drive and determination by Chase

Drive and determination by Chase - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Drive, Determination, Journalism: An Unwavering Academic Pursuit

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest. As a rising high school senior named Chase Corbins, with a focus on Journalism, and an impressive GPA of 3.77, I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship.

Every morning, I wake up with an unrelenting desire to pursue my academic goals. The gravity of my ambitions isn't driven by an arbitrary pursuit of success, but rather by a deep-rooted passion for journalism, and a burning desire to amplify the untold stories within my community.

As an African American man, I am propelled by the idea that narratives can bring fundamental changes to the society we live in and the perspectives that we hold. I am motivated by legends such as Gwen Ifill and Ta-Nehisi Coates, and their incisive abilities to shift viewpoints, challenge biases and give voices to the voiceless.

This drive keeps me persistently inclined towards my academic goal of earning a degree in Journalism. However, as we all know, success is not guaranteed merely by the desire to achieve it. My commitment to this dream is tied with discipline and a methodical approach that helps me to remain focused on my academic journey.

One of the ways I maintain my focus is through a practice I call "Immersive Journalism". I eagerly seek out opportunities to learn about the world around me, be it through volunteer work, attending community meetings, or partaking in journalism clubs and workshops. This helps me to continuously hone my journalistic skills, build real-world understanding, and embed a sense of responsibility towards my community.

Additionally, setting small, achievable goals aids in keeping my academic pursuits on the right track. Each completed assignment, every brilliant newspaper article, and each successful debate in school marks a stepping stone towards my long-term objectives of becoming a successful journalist.

Furthermore, perseverance is considerably important in keeping me concentrated on my objectives. Challenges are as inevitable as they are instrumental in shaping who we become. They cultivate resilience and a more profound understanding of how to navigate future issues. My predominantly Black community has faced its share of challenges, which have informed me of the inequities that exist, and bolstered my resolve to contribute to positive change.

I am highly optimistic about my academic pursuits in journalism and the constructive impact I will eventually make through this field. This scholarship will not only provide financial assistance but spur my enthusiasm towards achieving my goals with an unwavering commitment and belief in the power of storytelling.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Chase Corbins.