The Motivation of Family and the Pursuit of Dreams by Chemiah

The Motivation of Family and the Pursuit of Dreams by Chemiah - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Chemiah McConnell, a proud Black and Native American woman, a rising freshman at Old Dominion University, and intending to major in the diverse fields of Arts Management, Theatre/Performing Arts, Helayh science . Primarily, "what motivates me to pursue my academic goals is making my parents proud." Beyond that, my motivation springs from a deep-seated yearning to improve my family's life and to leverage my passions to contribute significantly to society.

From a young age, I have witnessed my parents work tirelessly, sacrificing their comfort for my education and future. Their unwavering dedication to my growth and development has instilled in me a resolve that is forever tied to their happiness. My dream is to provide them the reassurance that they no longer have to worry about my academic choices, and furthermore, to ensure them ease in their lives by offering them security in their own homes. Whether that may be securing them a new house, an upgraded car, or even replacing an air conditioner - their comfort is my priority. This represents more than just material gifts; it is a representation of love, gratitude, and reciprocity.

My scholastic journey, laced with commitment and determination, reflects the same. The diverse spectrum of my chosen majors -Arts Management, Theatre/Performing Arts, and Health Science- conveys my eclectic interests. My choices are a testament to my desire to encompass all my passions and translate them into my professional journey. With a robust high school GPA of 3.7, I've laid a solid foundation for my college education. This, I believe, underpins my ability to stay focused and thrive under the rigors of academia.

Staying focused for me is a delicate balance between dedication and discipline in the pursuit of my dreams. I tie this directly to the innate sense of responsibility I feel toward my family. Each small achievement is a stepping stone leading to the grand vision I hold for my family's future. I uphold their love and sacrifices as a beacon guiding my path. This sense of purpose grounds me, ensuring that no distraction can deter me from my end goal.

In conclusion, my drive to make my parents proud and provide them a comfortable life is the pulsating heartbeat of my academic journey. Through the realms of Arts, Theatre, and Veterinary studies, I hope to be able to bridge my different interests and make significant strides not only for my personal growth but also for my family and broader community. I am confident that the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship will be an indispensable asset in this exhilarating journey, enabling me to bring my dream to fruition.