Surpassing the Expectations by Kendall

Surpassing the Expectations by Kendall - February 2021 Scholarship Essay

Young me always said, "When I grow up, I want to be a doctor!" As I grew older, I started to believe this dream was not plausible, because I felt as if I was being pushed into the ground with everybody's expectations. Recently, I came to the realization of how it should not matter what people expect of me, and it only matters what I expect of myself. Then, of course, there are the people who expect and hope me to fail. These are the same people who are jealous or envious of my success, and they will see me become the doctor of my dreams.
I am currently in a pilot program in which I will graduate high school with my associate degree. I am currently in my third year of college, and I will graduate in May with over 60 hours of college credit, resulting in my associate degree in STEM Biology. Many of my friends and I were skeptical of participating in this program because we were worried we would lose out on our high school experience, and that we would not have the skill level needed for college courses. As we are in our last semester, I think it is safe to say we surpassed our own expectations. When we walk across the stage in May, we will be making history at Guymon and Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Remaining successful in this program was extremely difficult, especially as an individual who is actively involved in her extra-curricular activities and community. Obtaining my associate degree in STEM Biology in May will set me on the right track to obtain my bachelor's degree, acceptance into medical school, and become the doctor of my dreams. Succeeding in college past high school means the world to me because I want young girls and boys alike to know that those dreams as a young student are not silly and irrelevant. Those dreams truly help you shoot for what you want. It is okay to expect greatness from yourself; this is how you can continue to rise throughout your life. And, setting expectations for yourself is okay, because this simply allows you to surpass your own expectations. I aspire to continue to surpass my own expectations throughout the next few years with my success.
I define success as the feeling one gets once you realize you are no longer on the journey; you have reached the destination. This is when you step back to take a look at the world, and you realize you no longer are questioning your every move. Success can be minute, and it can be major, but no matter the scale, success will always be worth it.