Internal Drive: My Motivator and Compass Towards Academic Excellence by Kami

Internal Drive: My Motivator and Compass Towards Academic Excellence by Kami - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Kami Hekekia, a rising sophomore at Eastern Arizona College majoring in Accounting. As an Asian, Pacific Islander, and White woman who strives to break ceilings and create spaces where diversity and academic prowess intersect, it's my internal drive that keeps me on the path to success. This essay intends to outline the factors that fuel my academic journey, the way I maintain my focus along this journey, and my ultimate goal of securing better scholarships as a key to unlock more opportunities.

From a young age, I've always pursued excellence, not out of external pressure or expectation, but due to an internal drive that propels me. Academic achievement has always been my barometer for personal progress. It's my intrinsic belief that a strong education is the cornerstone for future success. Having maintained a GPA of 3.9 in high school and currently holding a perfect 4.0 in my college career, I suppose you could say that I’m a hard marker for myself. If I don’t have all As, it’s simply not good enough – but this 'imperfection' doesn't breed discouragement, rather, it creates motivation.

Apart from my academics, another realm that shapes my discipline and thirst for success is sports. As a committed volleyball player, I acknowledge that my eligibility in the sport hinges heavily on my educational performance. Moreover, sports provide an analogy for academics: I can 'win' by obtaining better grades which ultimately leads to better scholarships. This understanding has served not only to motivate me but also to shape my perspective on education as a 'competitive sport,' requiring persistence, resilience, focus, and a steady mind.

While motivation might get you started, it's discipline, strategic planning, and focus that keep you going. To keep myself moving on this path, I embrace various focus-enhancing strategies. Among them are setting SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound – academic goals and adhering to a well-structured daily routine that incorporates study, sport, and rest. By treating my studies as a full-time job and embracing a growth mindset, I continuously push my academic boundaries while maintaining a healthy mental space.

In conclusion, the pursuit of academic excellence is a journey that requires motivation and a driven spirit. My journey is guided by my internal drive, anchored on a belief in the power of education, and a dedicated commitment to maintain eligibility for volleyball. The goals ahead are clear: maintain top grades and secure better scholarships that will enable me to forge ahead with my academic journey and career with less financial stress.