Fascinating vs. Fiscal - Which is Better? by Elena

Fascinating vs. Fiscal - Which is Better? by Elena - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

Everyone reaches a point in his or her life when it becomes either advisable or crucial to begin laying down the framework for a life after high school. But how on Earth can one possibly crack the code and decide for certain what her potential career path or field will be? Surely, I have not been immune to this (somewhat daunting) introspection, yet as I continue to reflect on my life and my personal goals, I am positive of one thing: I will not base my decision solely on what is financially superior, but rather on what evokes my happiness.

My junior-year precalculus teacher, Mrs. Rockstroh, is a brilliant mathematician and person and has taught me this tidbit of information which I take most dearly to heart. After being an actuary for decades (a fruitful career by many people's standards), sitting in a cubicle for several hours a day, Mrs. Rockstroh's own tale of the epiphany that her true ambition lay in the form of teaching teenagers inspired me profoundly. It has become explicit to me that although money is, of course, an invaluable component of a career, it is not the tipping factor of a determination and should never metamorphose into that role. Why settle for less than complete and utter contentment with one's life? Why pursue a career when it will only result in a minimized self? Potential starts with zeal, and zeal simply cannot be found in a career in which the annual salary is the utmost priority.

Therefore, as I continue my college search and identify my interests, I will heed the echoes of Mrs. Rockstroh's experiences at all times. By far, her advice to choose a career based on what your inner self loves, not what your bank account will love, has been the most influential lesson a teacher has taught me. I hope to make her proud by following it religiously.