Essay for JP Thornton by Paul

Essay for JP Thornton by Paul - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

I suppose the school accomplishment I am most proud of would be receiving my Master’s degree from UAH in 2005. Because looking back, and knowing what I know now, it is almost a miracle that that happened. You see, at the time I was suffering from undiagnosed bipolar disorder. It was manageable most days, and in fact during bouts of hypomania when I required less sleep, I actually got a lot of work done. But when I was in a depressive phase, I literally felt like dying. Nothing in life brought me joy. Nothing felt worthwhile. I’m not even sure exactly how I made it through the last few classes. I don’t remember attending for the most part. But apparently I did, and passed finals well enough to be awarded a Master’s degree in management.

So now I am returning to school, fully aware of my condition, and fully recovered from its past negative effects. I am ready to take on the world, and in the process attain a Doctorate in Business Administration, to show my friends, family and loved ones, especially my 10 year old son, that one can triumph after adversity, and achieve dreams!

Thank you for reading, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity. It means so much to me and my family, as well as future students returning to school after a serious mental illness.