Why I Chose to Major in Exercise Science by Marlee

Why I Chose to Major in Exercise Science by Marlee - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

Growing up I always expected school to be free. I thought if the college I ended up at was not free my parents could help me pay for tuition. I am a very hardworking student so I never had to worry about grades, so maybe I could get a good scholarship. I found out quickly I am not a good test taker, so I probably would not get a full ride scholarship for my ACT score. I still had my parents to be a backup to help me pay though. Ever since my car wreck in February of 2023, I quickly realized my family would be in medical debt for a very very long time.
February 6th, I was driving to school like any normal day, when suddenly I woke up with an airbag in front of my face. I looked over to the passenger seat to see my little brother stuck, with a guardrail in his leg. We were told he would be an amputee, but thankfully God saved his leg and his life that day. The guardrail was two inches from going into his heart and killing him.
After watching all that my brother has been through, including ten surgeries, I found occupational therapy very interesting. I would always watch the therapist in wonder as they guided him to do everyday tasks. They ensured he could brush his teeth, get dressed, and learn other things that I took for granted. I have prayed every night to see what I should do for the rest of my life; I just knew I wanted to help people. That is when I knew that I was going to be a pediatric occupational therapist.
After signing to play golf at Carson Newman University in November, I knew it would be a great school to get started on my future. Even though it may be a little pricey, they have an excellent exercise science program; which I plan to major in to help prepare me for the masters program of occupational therapy. I want to be the one person to gently push children to the potential they need, while doing it in a fun way. I want to help kids that may get into severe car accidents like my brother or kids who need help doing day to day tasks.
I have wanted to go to Carson Newman since I was little no matter my major. I am really strong in my faith and I wanted to go to a christian college. After my wreck I got closer to God and started to work with children at my church. The summer after my wreck I started to help kids learn to play golf and loved that as well. I know God put me on this Earth to help kids in any way I can, spending time on the course is just a bonus.
When I am not on the course practicing, playing, or teaching; you will find me with my family. I love to shop, craft, decorate, or just drive around town with my mom. Most of the time I spend with my dad is on the golf course or watching a funny movie. We like to tell each other “dad jokes.” He has traveled with me for every competition and event since I started playing. He will tell you he is my biggest fan, but he is also the first one to tell me when I am doing something wrong with my game too. I love that about our relationship. My brother is my best friend. We have always been close growing up, but the wreck brought us so much closer. No one else understood what we were going through; the nightmares, the panic attacks, doctor visits, and all the tears we cried. We have an unbreakable bond. My family is my rock.
As you can see I am not the most outgoing person, unless it relates to golf or volunteer work. I am however, the most dependable person I know my age. I set goals that are obtainable, so I achieve them and set new ones. I want to make my family and people I love proud.