A Legacy of Excellence by Gracie

A Legacy of Excellence by Gracie - October 2019 Scholarship Essay

Students often feel extreme pressure from friends and family to succeed in the academic world. Some students feel this pressure from their parents. Stress is created when the student realizes that his or her best is not good enough in his or her parents' eyes. Yet, there are some exceptions to this rule. My parents have supported my goals and dreams in the academic world my whole life with no reservations. In the struggle and victory, the A and the F, my father, specifically, has encouraged me to test like a champion.
My father graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1996. He is a champion in the academic world. He also has his doctorate in educational leadership. My father set the bar unimaginably high for me to follow. Yet, he never forces me to make the grade or be a perfect student, he simply encourages me to do my best. He does not discourage me when I fail, rather, he encourages me to move on and continually do my best. One thing my father does to continually encourage me to succeed in my studies is writing me encouraging notes with Bible verses and thought-provoking quotes. He often does this on days that I have important exams. He leaves them on my steering wheel every morning, and as I read them I am overwhelmed by the way he supports me.
My father also helps me in my studies in more practical ways. Because he was a former math teacher, my dad understands math and always explains difficult concepts to me to help my understanding. He takes the time to intentionally make sure that I am clear on how to achieve the correct answer, and this means so much to me. Also, when I am studying, my dad will make my favorite lemon tea, and bring it upstairs to encourage me to keep working hard as I study.
Yet, my situation is special because my father is the principal at my school. I am a senior at Liberty Christian Academy, and my dad serves as a member of administration. Often, other people hold the view that my dad is overbearing, strict, and discouraging. In reality, he is a more reserved man who is incredibly encouraging and loving. In my academic success, my father's support cannot be understated.
Many daughters may say that they have a special relationship with their dad, but I believe my situation is incredibly special. My father has not only encouraged me to succeed academically, he has also pushed me to succeed in other areas. Arguably, these areas concerning how others are treated and how to impact others for eternity are much more important than academic success. He has not only been an example to me in his work ethic and day-to-day job but instead in how to become a world-changer, not only in academics but in life. I am striving to continue this legacy of excellence, in the classroom and in how I impact others, to truly change the world in how I live.