Untitled Success by Jessica

Untitled Success by Jessica - January 2015 Scholarship Essay

On my quest for knowledge, a revelation delayed its formidable strike to my recognition. I was never told, yet continually attempted to rid myself of the notion that measures success. Titles are a mere mark. The true measure of success is a multi-faceted endeavor built on individual talent and team support.
Throughout high school, I strived to excel in multiple areas. Awards adorned my neck after cross country meets. Service hours accumulated weekly after generous volunteering. I awed audiences with my musical skill. I even received title of valedictorian and spoke to my graduating class. But despite my achievements, I remained unfulfilled due to a warped view of the meaning of success.

What’s straight is crooked in a world where success is measured by title. In my high school, the title was social skills, augmented by an irresponsible aura. Granted, this measure was deemed irrelevant by teachers, yet to a teenager gilded by peers it’s best to flow with the current. I, however, couldn’t comprehend this current so I tossed in waves of social turbulence.

My achievements were deemed dull by my peers and thus doubted by myself. Athletics unhindered by the consequences of last night’s party were nothing to stare at. Time devoted to others was overlooked unless it was spent over-exaggerating one’s personal glory. Grades equated wasted time studying in a world where time belonged to the present. Peers did not respond to those like me who saw the irrational as the torrent of acidic rain that it was.

Thankfully, all storms pass. Mine evaporated as I experienced college in Alaska, apart from my peers. I used my awarded high school experiences and previously unfavorable personality to impress a scholarship committee and members of the Wildlife Society. I hiked the places I hope to conserve and passed prerequisites to move on to my dreamed major. People were interested in the stories I told and wanted to work with me for new achievements. I finally felt a true sense of positivity for myself and the future. These changes occurred after I made a key observation the teachers never taught me.

Success is an outcome, multifaceted and untitled. It can’t be categorized. A popular person makes a great entrepreneur, while the so called outcast understands what helps troubled youth surpass hurt. In the area of one individual’s weakness, another possesses strength. Success is how we use our individual skills for lasting impact. Our talents and shortcomings complement those of others to form a team who can’t be deterred. People must focus their talents, allowing the world to transverse trials and visit a bountiful future. Thus, true success is met.

My voice remained silent amidst the flippant ways of popular peers. As their current forged on, I thrashed in the undertones, feeling as though my skills were mute as well. But I need not project my voice to communicate my passions. Individuality is mesmerizingly valuable. With the encounter of a favorable niche, I am successful. I am untitled, working with others to leave an impact too broad to be named. I only wish I was taught the application of individual talent amidst generalized titles; that individuals create success together when they embrace and synergize their distinctive strengths.