Swinging for the Fences by Jestina

Swinging for the Fences by Jestina - December 2015 Scholarship Essay

Striving to tackle a goal is similar to a batter’s dream of swinging for the fences. Just like achieving a goal, one must go beyond what is expected. Growing up, I dreamed of having a massive house, being the face of tabloids, and owning every name brand listed. I now realize that it’s not my pocket that I wish to satisfy, but my soul. My current vision of utopia includes becoming a dentist, utilizing my skills to bring smiles to various faces, and solving oral mysteries. Not only do I see myself transforming into a healthcare professional in ten years, but also actively participating in local church activities. In order to strike this home run, I must follow certain steps, and firmly grip on to the bat that controls where my destiny is aimed towards.
First, every player must cooperate as team. I observed this firsthand by shadowing my dentist, Dr. Patel. The dental hygienist, receptionist, and dentist work in cohesion to let every patient leave with the smile that can be seen across the world. As an observer, I knew this was only able to be accomplished by teamwork. So now you have a strong team that supports your back, but you must step out onto the field to show them what you got. My desire to become a dentist stemmed from my shadowing experience, and pushed me to run as a Dentistry Representative in the Medical Academy Student Leadership Board at my school. My role as a representative allowed me to present to over 200 medical academy students about the dentistry. Covert doors were opening as I began to research more about this vast, diverse occupation.
Now that your feet are wet, it’s time to clench the bat and focus on what’s ahead. Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a club that I decided to enroll in to grasp concepts that I knew would benefit me in the future. Dentistry not only emphasizes on science but incorporates business as well. By attending area workshops for the organization on a monthly basis, I am introduced to the business aspect of society, and acquire skills that can further foster my development as a business leader. I have also participated in competitions that FBLA holds yearly to test business skills of students in the district.
The next step is to swing with all your might, and zoom to first base. Reaching first base led me to become founder and vice president of Science National Honor Society (SNHS). Science is the foundation of dentistry and is essential in advancing the profession forward. By joining SNHS, I aided in conducting the school’s science fair, along with speaking about science related topics at local middle schools. These discussions about health issues led students to confidently voice out their opinions on the topic. In addition, I was able to answer any questions/ concerns that were related to the issue.
At this point, you’ve reached second base and you look up thanking the man upstairs. With faith being at the center of my soul, I am and continue to be actively involved with the church. As Vice President of Knanaya Catholic Youth League (KCYL), I orchestrate social gatherings, retreats, and charity events which bring unity within the youth of our church. For four years I have also utilized my talent of singing by devoting myself to the church choir, which has made me stronger in my faith. With the chapel being my second home, I plan to continue to growing with my faith and leading a more spiritual life.
After vigorously sprinting from second base, you come to your senses to see that you only have one base left. Similarly, completing my undergraduate studies is the last base before reaching my goal of entering dental school. In order to enhance my comprehension of the dental profession, I plan to partake in numerous clubs/societies at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The Pre-Dental Society (PDS) is an organization that promotes undergraduate students to volunteer and communicate with dental professionals. By enrolling in this organization, I aspire to extend my knowledge of this prestigious occupation, which can further assist me into getting into the Dental Early Acceptance Program (DEAP). Just like baseball, one must not only pursue their selfish desires, but must take a look at their team’s wishes as a whole. Baal Dan, another student organization, is a charity that helps orphans and children in poverty in Asia Africa, North America, and South America. I believe that by joining this club my eyes will be opened to a world that is not granted the prosperity that many of us are blessed with. By becoming a member, I will be able to efficiently provide children with blissful smiles, necessities that aren’t easily handed to them, and a more optimistic outlook on life.
At last we’ve come to the final step, reaching the last base. Although I have not personally achieved a homerun, I plan to keep practicing until I achieve my homerun of getting into dental school. I hope to conquer my desires of growing in spiritual faith and becoming a dentist, by actively staying involved in extracurricular activities and maintaining a strong academic work ethic. By swinging a bat and running to the goal, I aim to create smiles to individuals, for smiles are the nonverbal communication of global happiness.