Every Moment Counts by Diana

Every Moment Counts by Diana - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

High school can open the doors to many opportunities in life, but only if you allow it to. Throughout the past four years I have realized that the United States provides us the resources to receive an outstanding education, but it is up to us as individuals to not take the privilege for granted.
I always emphasize to underclassmen to make the most out of their freshmen and sophomore years so that they build a strong foundation for themselves with an extraordinary academic record. Freshmen year will most likely be the easiest year to experience while in high school, so there should not be any excuse for any student to not do well. Each young student in high school should make it their goal to be in the top five percent of their class. If you are able to earn a high GPA and rank at the end of freshmen and sophomore year it will be much simpler maintaining your rank than to struggle during junior year trying to increase your GPA. During my freshmen year I was ranked in the top five percent of my class and received an academic award for maintaining a GPA of at least 3.5. Once I entered sophomore year I began to slack off and not take my schoolwork seriously. Obviously this hurt my GPA and rank, and I ended up falling to the top sixteen percent. I disappointed not only my parents, but I also lost the respect of some of my peers which was quite painful.
Junior year came along and this was when I had my "great awakening". Our ranks were posted at the beginning of the year and I was appalled. I was completely upset with myself and from that day, I made a vow that my rank and GPA would never drop again. I am proud to sit here this very moment and inform everyone reading this that I have committed to my promise and am now making it my goal to graduate as a senior in the top ten percent.
For the young scholars that took the time to read this, please do not take advantage of the education being given to you. There are limitless opportunities awaiting you and it is your responsibility to reach for them. As long as you maintain a high GPA and rank, there will be nothing that can stop you.