A Quest Inspired by Love and Devotion by Jasmine

A Quest Inspired by Love and Devotion by Jasmine - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Jasmine Landaverde, a rising senior, passionate about the pursuit of knowledge, a love for athletics, and the positive impact both can have on people's lives. My story is deeply woven into the fabric of my life's experiences, defined by the loss and legacy of my father and Coach Angelica. It is from them and for them that I derive my motivation to not just pursue but exceed in my academic goals.

Enrolled in institutions like the Texas A&M University - Commerce, University of North Texas at Dallas, and Northeast Texas Community College, I have diligently pursued a rigorous curriculum in teacher education, athletics, and history. Each class, every page I’ve read, each moment of physical exertion, finds its roots in a deeply personal and fundamental aspiration - to instill knowledge, foster physical abilities, and see the world through the lens of the past. Above all, it's a quest to make a difference.

The loss of my father and Coach Angelica was a painful blow, a joy and strength replaced with a void. As I navigated my way through these testing times, the echoing words of both that had always encouraged me to strive for greatness resounded within me. Whether in the classroom or on the track, I began to envisage a future where I could play a similar role, guiding children and youth, being their beacon in the darkness. The thought of a smile illuminating their faces as they achieve their dreams is an immeasurable reward.

My motivation for my academic goals springs from the love I have for my family, my profound reverence for my mentors, and a cherished ambition to exert a positive impact on others' lives. This motivation translates into unswerving focus within academia and beyond, a commitment symbolized by my current high school GPA of 3.43 in some of the most challenging disciplines.

My dad and coach’s memory is carried on with each step I take, each pedagogic theory I learn, each historical context I delve into, and every sprint I complete. I find myself motivated to excel, bolstered by an emotional connection loaded with love and respect for them. Amid challenges, the vision of becoming a changemaker for kids keeps me centered, bolstering my resolve.

Being a Hispanic woman who is a first-generation college-bound student, I present a unique perspective that embodies tenacity, resilience, and the will to surmount odds. I believe my diverse experiences, rich cultural heritage, and fingerprinted story will benefit any institution that supports diversity and encourages the enrichment of education beyond textbook boundaries.

In a nutshell, what motivates me to pursue my academic journey is a potent amalgamation of personal loss, an undying reverence for my mentors, and an unfaltering commitment to fulfilling their dreams. My focus is relentless because I have a duty - to myself, to my lanterns in the dark, and to every child who needs someone to believe in them and guide their way. I stay focused because, in reality, this is not just about me, it's about us - it's about a better future. Simply, I am Jasmine Landaverde - a daughter, an athlete, a student, a Hispanic woman, and a dreamer motivated by the undying spirit to empower future generations.