An Impact Right Under My Nose by Kara Brooke

An Impact Right Under My Nose by Kara Brooke - November 2022 Scholarship Essay

One may not realize that inspiration is upon them until the moment has passed. It’s not always evident at the moment, but once the inspiration strikes, it’s the most fulfilling and remarkable feeling. This has definitely proven to be factual in my life, especially for this school year. My most unforeseen, yet the greatest source of inspiration so far this school year has been my best friend, Ruby.

The feeling of achievement and “approval” from my parents had been the driving force behind my determination to get good grades. I’m thankful that I never struggled with slacking in school or having to worry about anything lower than A’s or B’s for grades. However, I didn’t realize that I wasn’t putting in the amount of effort that I could have been to reach my full potential. All I did was make good grades; nothing more, nothing less. There was a whole world of opportunities for me that I never knew existed until Ruby opened my eyes to them, but it never struck me how much she inspired me until I realized all I had accomplished on account of her.

Ruby had always been very accomplished. She was Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen 2021, a non-profit organization founder, and she had a full scholarship for all four years at the University of Alabama. As a junior in high school, she gave me some helpful pieces of advice that would put me at a greater advantage than her when she was a junior, and get me a head start on working toward my dream education. From her guidance, I learned about National Merit Scholarship Qualification through the 11th grade PSAT, helpful insight on different D1 Universities, lesser-known scholarship opportunities, and important tips for impressing colleges.

Though the advice was given directly to me by Ruby herself, I realize that her hard work and dedication to her achievements inspired me just as much, if not more. I wanted to have a successful education and I began, and still am, putting in the work to reach my full potential. I never thought that someone who was my best friend, the person I joked with, told all of my secrets, and casually did life with every day, could inspire me in the greatest way possible.