Greatest Failure by Jamar

Greatest Failure by Jamar - July 2023 Scholarship Essay

Hello, my name is Jamar Wallace II, and I am pursuing a degree in physics with aspirations to become an astrophysicist. I chose this career path because I have always viewed physics as an innovative and strategic way to create things. As someone who experienced childhood in the twenty-first century, I have observed remarkable achievements in this field of science, such as the uncovering of mysteries beyond our planet, the performance of intricate computations, and the development of numerous revolutionary inventions. Physics can significantly improve individuals' quality of life and even provide them with enjoyment! I want to pursue this profession because I believe I can assist people in improving their quality of life, which is one of my main passions. In addition, physics gives us powerful tools to help us to express our creativity, see the world in new ways and then change it. This is what I strive for, to change the world.
My scholastic career goals entail obtaining a Bachelor of Science in physics and potentially pursuing a Ph.D. After seeing my high school classmates graduate with various medals and accolades, I realized that while I was a good student with good grades, I was not fulfilling my full potential. Immediately, the lyrics from one of Frank Ocean's songs "Wasted potential man that stuff kills you" popped into my head and resonated with me. I felt as though I had failed. I said to myself, I do not want to live a mediocre life where I never tried to apply myself and question if I ever had more potential to be in a better place mentally and physically. At that moment I committed to fully dedicate myself to achieving my goals. Although I have heard that majoring in physics is tedious, and I would not have time to do anything else, this was a sacrifice I was willing to make. As such, in my first semester at Florida International University, I earned a 3.92 grade-point average, made the Spring 2023 Dean’s List, and was admitted into the Honors College for the upcoming fall semester.
In life, failure can be a valuable teacher. It shapes your character and keeps you grounded. Failing can help you become more adaptable, flexible, and better equipped to tackle challenges. It also teaches you to embrace change and use it to your advantage. When you fail, it gives you an opportunity to pivot your approach, reevaluate your thinking, and try again with a fresh perspective. Through this experience, I gained a better understanding of myself and learned to avoid making the same mistake in the future. The day of my high school graduation had a significant impact on my life. It set me on the path to achieving my dream of becoming a renowned astrophysicist and leaving a legacy that will be honored for generations. In summation, failure is a great asset, if it is followed by careful analysis and reflection.