Your Goals by Kaylani

Your Goals by Kaylani - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Title: A Spiritual Voyage: God, Academia, & Me

My family always pushes me to do my best in life and my academics even through out good and bad days. This has served as a guiding star for me, guiding my decisions, actions, and beliefs. My ambitions are not merely relegated to personal growth, but I aspire to cultivate growth in others by pursuing a major in Bible & Theology at Biola University. The catalyst behind my commitment lies in my desire to serve God and contribute to the richness of people's lives around the world as a full-time missionary.

A unique amalgamation of my Asian, Hispanic, and White heritage paved the way for my multicultural perspective, further fuelling my desire to travel and serve communities worldwide. I firmly believe that my academic journey at Biola University will not only further equip me to understand and respect the intricacies of diversified cultures and religions, but also allow me to effectively communicate and empathize with the individuals I intend to serve.

In evaluating what motivates me to pursue my academic goals, it's important to underscore that the source of my motivation is multifaceted. Fundamentally, my deep-rooted faith in God keeps me propelled forwards. I envision myself channeling His divine presence to help others, and it is this vision that remains potent in the quiet of the night and the chaos of the day -- it stays with me, my internal compass. My family is also instrumental, always standing by my side, encouraging me to follow the path of righteousness and altruism.

Staying focused, especially as a rising college freshman, will invariably require diligence and intentional habit-building on my part. Making time to understand and absorb the intricate beauty of my course material is an absolute necessity. I admit to sometimes procrastinating, yet over time, I have learned that the path to knowledge is not a sprint, but a marathon. Baby steps taken consistently inevitably add up to significant progress. I trust in the process and know that every detail learned will find its place when I serve as a missionary.

Exciting and challenging times await me at Biola University, I am sure. As an aspiring scholar in Religious and Theological Studies, I am eager to delve into discussions regarding the complexities of spirituality, engage in rational theological inquiries and reflect upon the intersection between faith and daily life in my journey.

For Kaylani Montalvo, being a student at Biola University is more than an academic journey; it is a spiritual voyage – a divine expedition that brings me closer to God, community service, and exploration of the world. The amalgamation of all these factors is my constant reminder to pursue my dreams, constantly learn, and serve as a beacon of faith and hope – the motivation to keep striving for excellence.