Hard Work and Dedication by Nicole

Hard Work and Dedication by Nicole - November 2013 Scholarship Essay

High school would have been a struggle without the determination to succeed. The most valuable lesson I learned in high school is that working hard and remaining dedicated to my final goal was essential. I learned this lesson not only through my own experiences, but from those of my friends and family as well.

In high school, I was an overall happier person when I was working hard. This year, as a high school senior, I took the hardest course in my high school called advanced placement chemistry. The class required many hours of homework and studying throughout each week. I knew it would be extremely challenging for me to be able to finish all of my homework, take part in all of my extra- curricular activities, and get the necessary amount of sleep. The week before my first chemistry test of the year, I studied for countless hours that felt like forever. On the day of the test I went into school with confidence in myself. I knew I worked hard on the material the whole week before and that I was ready for whatever my chemistry teacher threw at me. A week after the test, I got back an outstanding grade. I was so ecstatic and was thrilled for the remainder of the week. I realized those hours I put into my studies before that test were only a few hours of my life. Those few hours were extremely worth it because they helped me to start out the semester with a phenomenal, above average grade. Without the hard work and dedication I put into this chapter of chemistry, I would not have been confident and would have received an inadequate grade. This helped me to continue to strive for success and satisfaction on everything for the rest of the year.

Dedicating myself and working hard every day on my work not only helped me get better grades, but it made me a much happier and better person. The lesson I learned changed my outlook on things and helped me to be successful in school and at home. For the rest of my life, this lesson will remain in my mind and in my heart. Anything is possible as long as you work to your highest potential towards the final goal you are trying to reach.