Success Re-Defined by Nathaniel

Success Re-Defined by Nathaniel - February 2021 Scholarship Essay

When we close our eyes and imagine what success is, we often think of rich entrepreneurs, million dollar houses, and other tangible wealth. In reality, success can mean many different things for different colleagues, co-workers, clubs, and while many people see success as the accumulation of wealth or eminence, I like to look at success as a moving goal. If I exceed in an area of work, I would say I am successful in this field, whereas if I set my goals and I don't reach them, I am not successful in those aspects. Of course living this way isn't easy, but it pushes you to exceed your goals.

At school, I find my success in many different forms. I have my big goals such as finishing two years at Clark, getting my transfer degree, moving on to University and so on, however, I also find success in smaller aspects of schooling. If I learn something that will help me in my future, and day to day life I find that I succeed in that course or assignments. For instance, I took some time in the summer to familiarize myself with my career. I started off by searching up YouTube videos, finding free courses online, and other reachable tools to learn how to build a livable area. I found success through these courses as I was able to build myself a music studio, and also a gym that was heated and soundproofed. Although the success didn't stop there, because I transferred these new concepts to bigger and much better situations. Our team, Restoration of Hearts Ministries travels around the globe where we plant new churches, orphanages, Bible colleges, and homes for widows and much more. I've personally only been to a few trips because of finances, but I still value each moment there as I was able to build small homes, help with food supply and help with humanitarian aid.

Therefore, I find success to not just have earthly riches, but to be able to help another person out. Building friendships, connections, families are all factors of success that often get unnoticed. When I was smaller I used to have a prayer that went along the lines of "I hope everyone who is hungry gets food to eat, and everyone who is homeless finds themselves a home", but then I realized that I can be the one to answer that prayer by going out and helping. You will know you are successful when you have good company around you, and the mark and trail you left behind changed someone's life.