The Next Level by Hartarsha

The Next Level by Hartarsha - August 2022 Scholarship Essay

On May 18, 2022, I had feelings ranging from excitement to trepidation. These feelings occurred on the day my eleventh-grade journey had unofficially become my twelfth-grade year. I was no longer a junior, but now I was a senior. The final level I had to complete before my next level experience. The excitement I faced related to a sense of adventure. Whereas the trepidation I felt was because of all the nerves of life as a young adult. I knew I had to have a plan and goals. I knew I had to succeed at the goals to get nearer to the next level. I knew this strategy had to begin with an academic plan my senior year. If this plan works or the goal is achieved, then I will have no doubt I can achieve anything else. One of my academic goals for the year is to get a 30 on the college admission test, the ACT.
After eleven years in school, I now live according to one direct rule. “He who fails to plan plans to fail.” This rule gives birth to a driving force of determination in everything I seek to accomplish. It means exactly what it says. It is a rule that has transpired into success in every challenge that has crossed my path. From reciting a five-page speech I had to remember in 6th grade, to learning how to drive a four-ton automotive without fear of crashing into a concrete wall. Throughout my school career, I did what I had to do to excel in each grade. I rely on the rule I set as my pinnacle. The rule is what gives me a purpose for my being on earth. Without a plan, my purpose is not fulfilled.
The year we all were met with the pandemic, I was in the tenth grade. A sophomore to be exact. I only attended school virtually. I dealt with depression and anxiety. I did not have a reason to be successful. I only wanted to sleep. Everything I once deemed important was now placed on hold. I was in a deep stupor. I was taking Algebra 2 at the Tim. I knew I had to comment time and effort on this subject. I rarely did any homework. I scarcely participated in class over zoom. My test scores exemplified my exact performance in class. I earned a C grade for both semesters. This was a reflection of my then mindset. After the school year was complete, I knew the next year I would have to reach down to corral the ever-unknown dormant ability residing in me. This is what I did at the next level.
At this level, I devised a calendar date for times to study each segment for my approaching test. I have had some challenges this summer that were difficult to overcome. However, the perseverance that resides within me has been a proven and resilient arsenal. To be able to be awarded a 30 on the ACT is the equivalence of being gifted a fully furnished home for a person in need. It is that important to me. It will be that much of a life-changing event for me. I know I must keep the faith. I believe if I continue studying and reviewing for the exam, I will be in a superfluous niche or place I will only move forward.
Academia is at the forefront for me. It is displayed on my neck. It is in front of my eyes. It is the beat of my heart. I love knowledge. It holds so much seen and unseen power. This is how I feel about reaching my academic goal of an ACT score of 30 for the year. I am in the line of greatness. It is among all I see. Every peer also is driven. I declare, that I believe, I will achieve.