A Gap Year of Prosperity by Kelly

A Gap Year of Prosperity by Kelly - August 2019 Scholarship Essay

Thinking back on my life, the entirety of it has consisted of a fire of ambition. Working shifts after school and on the weekends was the first spark that ignited this flame. Spending hours proofreading each paper to ensure that it was impeccable provided the oxygen which allowed this fire to subsist. Ultimately, attaining my acceptance letter into graduate school enabled this fire to spread uncontrollably, shedding the light and warmth which substantiated my future. Thus, each step in this process to achieving my goals has incessantly revolved around uncompromising success as well as unyielding dedication and determination. As a result, in this gap year, I would continue on this path, but I would also invite others on this journey.

In my gap year, I would work on improving myself and my community. For too long I have focused on my goals and my successes. I now realize that it is time for me to shift this focus. I would volunteer with my local shelter and allow this same ambition portrayed in my studies to follow me here. In this setting, I would work to organize food drives and fundraisers to help those who are suffering in my community. I have recognized that the success of the community is impossible without the success of each individual within it. Therefore, I would feed my fire in this setting, allowing its heat to warm those individuals who need it and its light to illuminate their futures as well. This time, it will not only be my own success that is significant. Rather, our success as a community will be momentous.

Even more, I would spend the time with my family that is so often lost in the shuffle of classes and work. Though their support is unmatched, their presence has been lost in my daily pursuits. I would make the time for them that they deserve. I would treat them to their favorite dinner in order to remind them that although my mind has been occupied with Kinesiology and Physiology, their place in my mind could never be superseded. After all, these are the individuals who first gave breath to my fire of ambition.

Still, in this time, it would be essential to save for my graduate studies. Resultantly, I would acquire extra shifts at work. These shifts would replace my weekly classes and allow me to earn a portion of the exorbitant funds that are necessary for this endeavor. Yet, as I rose each morning awaiting the experiences of the day that rested ahead of me, I would be grateful that I was given this opportunity. My fire has not only illuminated my future and singed the path of my dreams, but it has reminded me to express gratitude for the circumstances that I have been granted with. Not only will I be able to pursue the aspirations that I have held since childhood, but I am able to better my community and spend time with the ones most important to me while creating a fund for my dreams. Thus, my untamed fire has created a safe haven of warmth and tenderness in its pursuit of ambition and triumph. My holistic fire has made me a better person.