Florida by Laila

Florida by Laila - December 2015 Scholarship Essay

Laila Abdul-Ghaffar
Scholarship Essay

Where do I want to be in 10 years? That seems like a reasonable question to ask a struggling senior trying to graduate. I use that term struggling loosely though, because everything seems like a struggle when I’m trying to balance eight demanding classes all at once. But all the work that I’m slaving over is for the betterment of my future. All this work that I’m involving myself in, is so I CAN see myself doing something worthwhile in 10 years.
In 10 years, I’d like to see myself living a comfortable independent life, having disproved the notion that moving out and acquiring adult responsibilities would make me want to be a kid again, to be taken care of. I envision myself lounging around on my off days, with a bank account full of money and a peace I never got while living with family in their home. Growing up, a lack of money always seemed to be my family's downfall, so I hope that I’m successful enough to rig that situation before it becomes a real problem for me. It’s important to me to make this dream come true. My family’s home, was never my home. I merely felt like a tenant. I’ve also wanted to establish an environment that was the product of my own hard work. Once I have that, nobody can justify doing injustices against me by using, “This is my house and I pay the bills” to condone their actions.
I see myself with a Masters degree in music therapy, combining two of the things I love, music and helping others. Music has always been a passion of mine; I love to sing. And growing up, I was always put in the position where I needed help from others. I needed school clothes for every new school year and school supplies, and most of the time, my parents couldn't carry the weight alone. I simply want to return the favors given to me from my friends and teachers, because they helped me the most. My teachers have gone beyond the call of duty to help me in my times of need. The only way I can truly repay that debt is by paying it forward in my life.
In 10 years, I need to see myself helping people because I believe that is worthwhile. I need to see myself pursuing a career that I’m excited to wake up to every other day. In 10 years, I need to have proven to myself that things can be different and that my life doesn't have to be the reflection of every other person's experience of growing up. I’m a senior now, and I’m working hard in school so my hard works can amount to something that will help me persevere in the future. I know that my work will be enough if I continue to strive for it. My life will be what I make it, so I’ll make it more than good. That is my motivation for foreseeing my future in 10 years.