My Journey Into Excellence by Latrell

My Journey Into Excellence by Latrell - October 2022 Scholarship Essay

A key part of my ability to overcome challenges in academics is because of my upbringing. My family instilled the value of education in me from an early age. My mother was born and raised in a White, religious family, whose teachings did not compel her to worry about school, so she does not have a diploma, nor does she have many career options now. However, her ambitions manifested into moving locations to raise my sister and I on her own terms. I didn't value education in middle school, and I had no plan to attend college. She pushed me to do well and never compelled me to work if I kept high grades. As her son, she motivated me to become extremely goal-oriented and analyze what it takes to get where I want to go by committing to working hard to carry those actions out.
Today, I am an advocate for myself and am committed to self-improvement and trying new things. As soon as I started high school, I joined AVID, a program that helps students prepare for life after high school, which I am still a part of today. I am also a member of the FBLA and DECA, two student business organizations. This year, I was admitted to the National Honors Society and the Youth Advisory Council, where we advise the City of Columbia Leadership Council on all youth and youth-related issues. I'm now a straight-A student, and I pushed myself to uncover my interest in digital media and marketing. This led to my successful completion of the 82nd Missouri Boys State program. I am very serious about my future and how it will be fulfilled with an adamant perspective and a strong work ethic as my foundations. I aim to set a path for mine and the next generation. I have applied the academic skills I have been working so hard to develop into my dream career when working for a financial coaching firm by creating content for their social media and HTML5/bootstrap development. To whatever scenario that comes my way, I apply efficiency, professionalism, overachievement, and a desire for excellence.
I recognize that as a young Black man in America, I will have to prove myself beyond the stereotypes assigned to my skin color. I used to be ignorant and refused to believe that I would be confined to a box labeled "Black" or "Person of Color," but it is clear that as I grow older, it is necessary for me to come to grips with these challenges and rise above the stereotype. Although our White counterparts are more privileged in the sense of their efforts not being negated by negative stereotypes, by enlisting me on your campus I can continue to press forward, to move one step closer to my dreams, and show the world how talented I am and how much I can contribute to society. I know I am a perfect candidate for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest because I continually put my best foot forward as I meet the new challenges that come my way as a young, black, smart, successful leader.