Driven by Familial Bonds: Pursuit of my Academic Goals by Dulce

Driven by Familial Bonds: Pursuit of my Academic Goals by Dulce - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

As I look back on my journey, I find the power of familial bonds shaping my academic decisions and reinforcing my commitment to excel. As Dulce Bakker, rising as a college junior at the University of Minnesota, I am motivated by the resilience, unwavering support and encouragement from my family roots, coupled with my cravings for success in Marketing and Graphic Design. This essay reflects upon the inner foundation of my academic pursuits, exploring the intertwined nature of my motivations and the strategies that help me stay focused.

The unconditional love, support, and sacrifices of my family have always been the cornerstone of my motivations. They have stood by me during my highs and encouraged me during my lows, their faith acting as the fuel which ignites my spirit. Their belief in my abilities has often reminded me that I can do anything I set my mind to and has subsequently instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility. This sense of responsibility is a primary motivator that drives me to pursue my academic goals relentlessly, all in an attempt to validate their faith and make them proud.

Recognizing that a solid academic foundation is pivotal to my career aspirations, I am steadfast in my pursuit of acquiring a rigorous, practical understanding of Marketing and Graphic Design at UMN. As a Latina woman, I am inspired by the lack of diversity in my field and am motivated to occupy spaces, stimulate discourse, and contribute unique perspectives to the industry. Alongside this is my love for learning, the sheer joy of unraveling theories and principles and developing stimulating, impactful solutions. A GPA of 2.9 in high school and 2.8 throughout my college years might seem ordinary for a prospective scholarship candidate, but these numbers only drive me to strive further and ensure they continue to rise.

Staying focused amidst the whirlwind of university life can be challenging. How does one strike a balance between studying, extracurriculars, social life, and other pressures? I find that having a clear vision of my academic goals keeps me focused and disciplined. It is the image of my family's proud faces as I walk across the stage with my diploma, the thrill of creating impressionable marketing campaigns, and the satisfaction of providing unique design solutions that keeps my motivation burning even in the face of adversity.

Equally, I use my unyielding passion and love for my subject areas as a tool to mitigate academic pressure and rekindle my focus towards my goals. Understanding that I gain fulfillment from immersing myself in my classes, projects, and internships, I allow this joy to guide me when I need rejuvenation, or when distractions and difficulties creep in. Moreover, I follow a disciplined routine, build systematic study habits, and maintain a healthy lifestyle because a healthy body and mind are crucial to my academic success.

In conclusion, what fundamentally motivates me are not adornments of academic certificates or splendors of job titles, but the drive to make my family proud, the opportunity to contribute to diversity in the field, and the joy of learning. Recognizing these motivations keeps me focused on paving my academic path and achieving the vision I hold for myself. As I continue my progress at UMN, I am eternally grateful for the unwavering familial support setting the strong premise for my future. With everything in place now, I am committed to continue to strive for excellence in my chosen path, making every step count.