Lucy's Adventures in Frenchfry by Julia

Lucy's Adventures in Frenchfry by Julia - June 2017 Scholarship Essay

When I was about eight I peaked. I had already created my chez d'oeuvre. The pinnacle of my career had passed and I was anticipating retirement. My novel, artfully titled "Lucy’s Adventures in Frenchfry," would be my big break once published. It was the epic tale of a sarcastic ten year old girl whose plane en route to Hawaii crashed into a bizarre and unknown island called Frenchfry where everything is strange and everyone is named after food. It was a work of art, bleeding originality and humor. Or at least I thought so. Ever since I was about six I had fancied myself a writer, but I never finished any of the books I started. "Lucy’s Adventures in Frenchfry" was by far my longest work, making new leaps and bounds at an incredible total of three chapters! I carefully crafted exchanges between characters, writing and rewriting comic dialogue that was ultimately insignificant to the unfinished plot. I knew in my heart that my future was in writing. I would become an acclaimed author, known for her heartfelt books primarily about dogs.
In about sixth grade I reread my work and realized it was trash. I rewrote it just for fun and I now have a copy of the revised version, in which Lucy is a troubled preteen who becomes closer to her mother throughout the four chapters that I wrote. From then on I altered my goals. I would become the editor of a fashion magazine. I would mix fabrics and textures, critique celebrity looks, and praise the work of small, unknown designers. I then decided that something more scientific would suit me, so I set my sights on the humble position of National Geographic editor in chief. I would be so high up in the staff that I would be able to tag along on any research trips that I chose. It would be perfect. Over the years I rambled through a series of dream jobs varying from becoming a teacher to opening a craft store to being an American ambassador to France.
I was wildly ambitious. Having come up with an idea, I would daydream about this future constantly: a future of travel and success and contentment. I would imagine myself, a confident and well dressed boss, busily going from a meeting regarding the layout of an article to the airport in preparation for research on penguin populations. As an indecisive person, I simply decided not to decide. I would find a career that would include it all.
Now my goals have significantly changed. Maybe I had a reality check, but I like to think of it simply as greater clarity regarding what I want in life. High school made me realize that I will only ever be happy in a career if I am helping others. I need a goal that is both meaningful and interesting. I need something that will inspire me when life is dull and help me achieve a lifestyle of service and kindness. And that is why I am now considering a career in law. I don’t know where my life will lead me, but I have become okay with that. I am ambitious as ever and optimistic about my future.