Bridging Gaps and Building Bridges Through Diversity by Jayven

Bridging Gaps and Building Bridges Through Diversity by Jayven - March 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Jayven Sellers, a rising high school senior and an ambitious young woman passionate about building a career in the cosmopolitan world of Cosmetology. I have always been fueled by my desire to interact and work closely with people, beautifying their lives with a brush and a sense of creativity. This journey of fostering dreams hasn't always been strewn with roses. However, the thorns of discord and the rocks of misunderstanding I encountered along the way taught me perspectives that transformed me as an individual and shaped me for better horizons ahead.

It was during my stint in the restaurant industry that I experienced a significant period of growth and learning. I worked as a host, a position that demanded constant interaction with colleagues and patrons. One day, unfortunately, due to an oversight, I double sat a server, causing a situation of unanticipated pressure and discomfort for her.

The server did not take this mistake lightly. She immediately displayed her displeasure, and I was shattered. I mustered the strength to reconcile and explain that it was an innocent mistake, but the cold shoulder continued for months. It was a challenging time for me, as I felt disrespected and it was apparent that we were operating from two different perspectives.

Despite the tension, I remained committed to my job and made a continuous effort to make amends. Simultaneously, I was introspective, questioning my choices and passions. Eventually, I realized that my heart was inclined more towards serving in a way that filled it with joy - nurturing and caring for children. It was a revelation that encouraged me to look past the chaos and focus on the harmony of a future career, which lay in a completely different direction.

My passion for childcare evolved through this experience, and today, I am more confident about following my heart's true calling. Through this tumultuous period, I learned that people come with different backgrounds, attitudes, and outlooks towards life. Although at times disagreements may arise, it's important to persistently work towards understanding diverse perspectives rather than being overwhelmed by them. My experience cemented my belief in compassion and understanding as the best way to bridge gaps between diverse perspectives.

Our server and I were different in our approaches, and it took a misunderstanding for me to realize this. However, I can confidently say that it has helped me broaden my worldview, making me more patient and empathetic. My high school GPA of 3.66 attests to my academic aptitude and the determination to excel despite external pressures.

Entering the university, I am excited to continue my growth as a person and academically focusing on my major in Cosmetology. While many may not see the relation between cosmetology and my experience in the restaurant or my passion for childcare, I see a distinct connection. They both require patience, understanding, precision, and the capacity to process and manage multiple variables simultaneously. They all require me to build bridges with people and to work with perspectives different from my own.

Today, I stand patient, empathetic, and above all, more understanding. I am a testament that growth often comes from unexpected corners. My experience in the restaurant and my passion for childcare have prepared me to anticipate and handle diverse situations, thus shaping me for the wider world that lies ahead.

I am incredibly eager to explore life outside of my comfort zone, challenging and testing the edge of what I have learned till now. I believe that exploring varying perspectives helps one appreciate the nuances of life. Consequently, this enhances the aesthetics of my craft, teaching me the power of adaptation and resilience. I am Jayven Sellers, a rising senior, with a heart brimming with dreams, an embrace wide open for diversity, and a passion for learning and growing.

Thus, I strongly believe and suggest that the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Committee consider me as an appropriate contender for the scholarship, as it would help me enormously in paving the path to fulfilling my dreams and making a meaningful impact on society.