Motivations for Success by Hannah

Motivations for Success by Hannah - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

What motivates me in pursuing my academic goals is to one day obtain a master's degree in psychology, which will allow me to pursue my professional career goals as a licensed mental health counselor. Being a Licensed mental health counselor will give me the opportunity to help others in my community. After gaining experience in my career field, I would love to open my own non-profit organization and practice to help those in need access affordable mental and behavioral counseling and therapy. As someone who has struggled with anxiety, depression, and stress, I was unable to access resources to afford the help I needed. This would be a wonderful way for me to help those facing the same obstacles that I once faced. I believe I will be able to give back to my community in many ways such as creating jobs while helping make counseling and therapy services more affordable and accessible.

By keeping my academic goals a priority, it has allowed me to remain focused and persevere and remember how far I have come. I am dedicated and determined to continue to achieve in my educational career to help me receive my degree. My mental health in the past has caused me to delay the progress I made on some of my goals. I went from being an honor student to barely passing classes. This negatively affected how much effort I put into my schoolwork, discouraged me in taking the ACT, as well as extracurricular activities I participated in. Things I once loved doing, such as being in my school choir and FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) no longer interested me. Although I am now a sophomore in college, I am just now starting to recover from the impact of how it affected me academically. I now use this specific period in my life to help motivate me to want and do better for myself. During this time, I had lost many opportunities that could have helped me as far as making my college experience easier.

I am taking baby steps and working continuously to overcome my mental health problems. I am more actively involved in college activities such becoming a student ambassador and a Phi Theta Cappa member. I also try my best to get to know and understand the class materials by asking questions and making sure to attend my teacher's office hours when necessary. Tutoring has been another way in which I make sure I remain focused on my schoolwork because of the positive atmosphere and environment. My tutors have worked with me diligently to help ensure that I am on the right track to succeed with my course work. I also hold myself accountable for completing all my assignments on time. Due to persistent determination to focus and achieve my goals, I made the Chancellor list and became a more active student at my school.