Of Motivation, Focus, and Teaching the Future by Ja’Kaitlyn

Of Motivation, Focus, and Teaching the Future by Ja’Kaitlyn - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

As a rising senior at high school and an African American woman, I recognize the significant impact education has had on my personal and academic growth. Thus, when asked what motivates me in my academic pursuits, the answer is unequivocal: I am driven by my passion for learning and the need to leverage my education to make a significant difference in society.

My majors - Education, Teaching, and Business (MBA) - have been carefully selected to echo my desire to contribute positively to the world. Given that the foundation of every society is largely dependent on the quality of its education, I’ve chosen to pursue an educational path that will enable me to shape the minds of future generations. It is a challenging path, yet with the aim of leaving an indelible mark in my community, it fuels my resolve to strive for academic excellence.

To remain focused amidst myriad distractions is no less a challenge in itself. Urged by my academic aspirations and my 3.85 GPA, I have had to devise tactics to ensure my perseverance. I set clear, achievable goals, subtending them into smaller tasks and short-term objectives. It aids in tracking progress, keeping me motivated, and ensuring that I regularly celebrate small victories on this journey.

Further, effective time management cannot be undermined. I ensure a disciplined study schedule that accommodates ample breaks to ensure productivity. Of equal importance is a conducive study environment that enhances concentration. Everyone thrives differently—I’ve found that a balance of quiet and lively atmospheres works best for me.

Yet, focus and motivation are not solely innate or self-induced—they are also influenced by the company we keep. Friends with similar objectives in academics provide a support system that fosters shared motivation for success and helps me stay on track.

In a world where distractions are a mere fingertip away and moments of self-doubt sneak in unannounced, maintaining focus can be challenging. During such moments, I remind myself of my destination and why the journey began. The desire to positively impact education, to influence young minds, and to bring about changes for the better in my community—these are the catalysts that keep me resilient, pushing me to shake off the distractions and press on to the end.

Maintaining this determination and focus is, indeed, not a walk in the park. But as an eager scholar with a steadfast vision to enable future generations through quality education, I am committed to maintaining the stamina necessary to pave way for success and inspire others to do the same. Every dream is indeed achievable, once the motivation is right and focus is maintained, and for me, the dream is to educate the future.