The Road to Success by Gabriela

The Road to Success by Gabriela - February 2021 Scholarship Essay

Although “success” is a very subjective word, if I were the author of a dictionary, I would define it as “accomplishing your lifelong goals while staying true to who you are.” Since I was a little girl, I have been a compassionate and giving person. In order to be successful by my definition, I am choosing a career that coincides with my character. By majoring in Pre-Professional Biology and later earning my Masters in Physician Assistant Studies, I will be accomplishing my lifelong goal of helping those around me to the best of my ability and putting my compassion into action. Let’s break down my definition of success.
I have always dreamed of having a career in the medical field. This dream felt very in reach to me because of my fascination with biology, anatomy, and physiology. I also wanted to work in the medical field for the pay; I come from a low-income family, so having financial stability is very important for me in the future. While an amazing income creates less financial stress, it also allows me to travel which is a big part of how I imagine my future. Everything on my bucket list entails visiting another country; I love to learn new languages and cultures. Along with traveling for recreation, I will also be able to attend mission trips in which I travel to third-world countries and administer health care and love to impoverished people. I want to use my very lucky salary in a selfless way and give my time, efforts, and money to the less fortunate. This ties into the part of my definition that mentions staying true to who one is. Since a big part of my life includes volunteering and giving even though I do not have much to give, I want to always keep that same passion for helping.
Another big aspect of who I am is being a hard worker. Whenever I am asked to describe myself in essays or scholarships, I never forget to mention how determined and driven I am to reach my goals. I study for four or more hours a day on top of other homework to achieve the grades that I know I am capable of getting when I work hard. (Before writing this essay, I was studying for a math test I do not have for another week.) Success in college and graduate school means not ever losing my determination or drive. I know I am capable of great things, and I will never let distractions, like partying, steer me off the right path.
Pursuing my lifelong goals and staying true to myself go hand-in-hand. While I am staying true to my values, I will have an easier time accomplishing my goals. When I am pursuing my goals, that means I am staying true to myself and not letting myself get distracted. During my time in college and graduate school, I am going to be working harder than ever to achieve my dream of helping others by following my definition of “success.” Thank you for considering me for this scholarship!