Me by Lauren

Me by Lauren - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Growing up in a family with entrenched values of hard work and relentless pursuit of success, I am Lauren Robinson, a rising College Freshman at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor - School of Engineering. My academic endeavor in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering is underpinned by two forces: the desire to succeed professionally, and the determination to provide for my family.

The world of Aerospace Engineering is a thriller, where the equations of motion give an airplane wings, enabling it to defy gravity and traverse the skies. My academic path, fueled by the desire to understand and utilize these principles, mirrors the trajectory of the airplane. I believe my educational quest in this discipline will help lay the tracks that would propel me into a successful future, enabling me to be a provider for my family and solidifying their proud legacy.

Heightening my motivation is the representation that my achievement brings. As an African American woman venturing into Aerospace Engineering, a sector typically dominated by other demographics, I embody the power of possibility. Every mathematical equation solved, every theoretical concept understood, and every innovative solution I would be a part of, stands not only for my personal accomplishment, but also for my contribution to breaking the barriers of racial and gender diversity in this field.

However, motivation alone cannot scale the steep slopes of rigorous academics. My focused approach is the second driving element. Accompanied by a High School GPA of 3.9, I attribute my academic success to staying disciplined and organized, traits that I plan to carry forward throughout my college journey. Prioritizing tasks, managing time efficiently, and setting clear academic goals act as my navigation systems, ensuring I stay on course despite occasional turbulence.

Moreover, the ability to maintain composure and performance under high-pressure situations has been crucial. My family's ambitious values have taught me to adapt quickly and push through even the toughest circumstances - much like a pilot navigating through unpredicted stormy weather.

Lastly, to stay focused, I balance my rigorous academic schedule with extracurricular activities that complement my studies. Be it joining relevant clubs, participating in science fairs, or engaging in community service, these experiences help me unwind, reflect, and return to my academics with renewed energy and perspective.

Driven by the two-pronged force-field of family-driven motivation and methodical focus, my academic journey in Aerospace Engineering is on the promising path of taking flight. As I spread my wings wide, ready to navigate through the vast skies of academia, the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship will prove instrumental in fueling this flight towards success. With the pride to represent my race and gender in the aerospace industry and the ambition to provide for my family, I stand as a resilient candidate eager to soar into a bright future.