Success is NOT what you think by Monica

Success is NOT what you think by Monica - February 2021 Scholarship Essay

Many people measure success purely by the materialistic possessions that they acquire throughout their life; money, a fancy car, a big house, or brand name clothes. However, I have a different impression of success. I believe that success can’t be measured by anything truly tangible, rather, it is a development of character, a realization of one’s dreams, and the feeling of accomplishment. I have often experienced such successes in my life, especially throughout my time volunteering as well as during my work in the mental health field. Experiencing firsthand the positive transformations that I am able to provoke in individuals, families, and communities creates an indescribable feeling within myself that I can only define as success.
I know that I alone can’t solve the world’s problems, but I can absolutely make an immeasurable difference in the lives of individuals. Seeing a mother break down and thank me profusely after I simply express to her that she is a good mother is what emboldens me to continue my schooling as far as I can, to be in a position where I feel like I can make a truly significant difference. To me, success is not defined solely by receiving good grades and gaining an advanced degree. Success is receiving feedback and individualized mentorship offered by peers and professors, and being able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge I seek. Success is attaining practical training that encompasses what I need to successfully aid my clients in improving their personal relationships and enhance their mental wellbeing. Quite simply, success is facing challenges head-on and growing professionally and personally and I am certain that graduate studies will provide me with such valuable opportunities.