Educational Goals by Madeline

Educational Goals by Madeline - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

I am a young adult who graduated from high school in June 2023. I was diagnosed with generalized and social anxiety when I was only five years old. I have grown up always feeling different from my peers, but my parents taught me to embrace my uniqueness and not allow anxiety to define me. Although I often refer to myself as “anxiety girl”, my parents and school administrators have helped me see that I have potential and can be successful. After high school, I spent a month in Europe followed by attending classes at Clark College. Because I knew the transition from high school to college would challenge me in new ways, I only took one class each semester. This allowed me to learn the school, the technology, and develop a relationship with a college mentor. I quickly found out that I needed my family less and less. My voice became louder and I have truly become my own advocate. Because of my new found confidence, I decided to enroll in three classes this Fall and continue adding classes each semester until I am a full-time student.

Although I am taking a slower educational route, I feel confident that this is the perfect one for me. I am learning to understand what I need to be successful both in and out of the classroom which will make me more employable when I graduate from college. My long-term goal is to become a preschool teacher. My immediate, next-step educational goal is to immerse myself in the preschool classes that are pat of the program and begin to develop the skills I need to provide the best education to my students. I feel that I have a unique perspective because I have always felt like an outsider looking in and this allows me to bring to the classroom a higher level of empathy. Attending a community college is an important step for me to develop the other skills that I need. The inclusive environment and hands-on education in the classroom will allow me to thrive and truly be able to combine my existing skillset with the tools and education needed to be a successful teacher. My anxiety will always be a part of who I am, but I am utilizing the resources at the school to be sure that I am always creating a healthy balance between my mental health and the responsibility I have to my academics.

Because my educational journey is not traditional, I am limited on the types of scholarships I can apply for. My hope is that you will hear my story, understand the exciting journey I am on, and see that my anxiety can be turned into a strength that will allow me to be a compassionate, and effective, teacher.

Thank you for considering me for this month’s scholarship award.