My Advice to Younger Students by Joanna

My Advice to Younger Students by Joanna - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

So what do you want to be when you grow up? That was a question that was frequently asked in Elementary School by my teachers, classmates and friends. I think we can all agree that at some point we were asked that same question in Elementary School. But was your answer, "I don't know" or along the lines of "maybe...". Well when I was asked, my teachers and friends would often giggle or be surprised by my answer and how I knew what I wanted to be at such a young age. I was about three or four years old when I visited SeaWorld for the first time with my family to watch Shamu blaze through the underwater gate and into the humongous tank to do tricks. As she was circling the tank so everyone could see her, it made me realize how beautiful and amazing animals truly are. Being the naturally curious person that I am, I ended up turning to my mother to ask her what job takes care of animals like Shamu and can also help dogs and cats. My mother was a bit curious as to why I was even asking that type of question, but didn't think too much into it and said a veterinarian. No matter what, she was and has always been supportive in whatever I did and continue to do. As Shamu leaped out of the water and made a big tsunami-like splash that drenched all the little kids in the ‘splash-zone’ I immediately knew that was what I wanted to be, a veterinarian who specialized in all different types of animals. Even though at that age I could barely pronounce the word well and didn’t know what the job really entailed, I was going to put everything I had into becoming one. It wasn't until the end of Elementary School that I finally understood what a veterinarian did and found out that I could stand the sight of blood after by brother got a minor cut from our step that goes into the family room. Don’t ask. During Middle and High School, I was able to tailor my classes accordingly and volunteer at different animal hospitals and farms. I also became extremely curious in learning more about animal diseases, treatments, and other things related to the field. I often browsed animal websites and checked out pet books from my school's library trying to learn as many facts about them. Today, I feel even closer to where I was before and have in my opinion worked really hard both physically and academically, receiving honor roll throughout Elementary, Middle and High School. If College had an honor roll award, my streak would've continued. But, they don't. Now, with only six years away from reaching my dream of becoming a vet I can honestly say it has been quite a fun ride so far.
Knowing what I know now, advice that I would share with younger students would be to never give up. Even though it sounds a bit cliché, it’s the truth. Since I was young till now, I have never gave up on my dream of becoming a veterinarian. There were times when people doubted my abilities, but I knew no matter what I wasn’t going to listen to what they had to say. I was going to persevere through, proving them wrong in the process. As a young student I knew what I wanted to be, and like many students they also have ideas on what they want to pursue in the future. Unfortunately, some don’t go through with their passion or dream due to the whole idea of it being hard, not liking a specific class, etc. But a passion isn’t limited to just a job. A passion is something you love and would love to continue to do. A young student may want to teach free classes in a foreign country, but when they get older they are unable to understand the language spoken there because it may be too complex. It’s better to just push through whatever the tough situation is rather than just totally give up on it. Our mind is very powerful and if we say we can’t do something, then we start to believe it. By saying we can’t do something, we are essentially limiting ourselves and our abilities. By pushing through the tough situations that come about, you will be better prepared for what the future may bring. Hey, you might even surprise yourself! Even for me some college classes were a bit tricky in the past, such as Statistics. But, you know what? I gave it my all, passing the class and my other tricky classes after having thought I may not make it out alive. I never gave up and will continue to give it my all because when I finally graduate and receive my veterinary medicine degree, it will ultimately be worthwhile. Having been a young student, I felt the pressure to do the best and be the best so I know how it is. To this day, I still continue to strive for it. Even though something might not come easy to me or you at first, doesn't mean you can call it quits. No one said it would be easy, if it was easy then everyone would do it. Just believe in yourself and don’t ever give up.