More Than Good Grades by Peyton

More Than Good Grades by Peyton - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Numerous times throughout the years, my mom has preached in hopes of encouragement, “Good grades are worth money. It’s your choice how you want your future to look, Peyton”. With her warning, I went into high school determined to succeed academically. I took higher level classes, took additional classes outside of school to get ahead, and even took opportunities to test out of classes for credit when given the chance. I was aware that colleges wanted students who were not only academic scholars, but involved in sports, extra-curricular activities, and clubs. So I did just that. Athletically, I was a member of the varsity dance team, a rec volleyball player, PowderPuff player, and a regional LHSSA swim team member. I also participated in the ASL Club, National Honor Society, and was an active member in the Talented Music Program and the Talented Theater Program were I partook in roles on stage, and performed both vocally and as a piano accompanist.

When I thought I was doing more than enough to exceed my mom’s expectations, she reminded me, “Schools look for leaders, Peyton. ” While I was well-rounded in my abilities and talents, I had spent all my time prioritizing what I thought to be important when trying to stand out, but in reality, I was another go-getter. And to be honest, I was not feeling fulfilled.

My parents raised me to be active in my faith and our beliefs. Each Sunday, my family and I attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where we participate in worship services. For the past five years, I have had the opportunity to serve our congregation by playing the organ for our worship services. This position has allowed me to connect and form relationships with other members in our church through our love for music.

Our active church has provided and continues to provide multiple opportunities to serve our community and gain profound experiences. For example, I participated in Hurricane Cleanup where I volunteered in the Florida panhandle for two consecutive weekends by mucking houses, chainsawing trees, cleaning up branches, and bringing relief to families. Another example was when I volunteered as head lifeguard at a youth girl’s camp in the summer where I was responsible for preventing accidents and encouraging safety.

While this might be a taboo topic, I strongly believe that my success can be attributed to my participation in my church. The opportunities they provide for leadership, volunteer, and growth has prepared me for my future more than any academic or extracurricular activity could.