Driven by Ambition and Humbled by Heritage by Reese

Driven by Ambition and Humbled by Heritage by Reese - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Reese Fiala, a rising senior with a high school GPA of 3.5, eyeing the captivating field of Cinematography/Film/Video Production across several esteemed institutions. I am fuelled by a desire to carve a space for myself in an industry that could consider me an underdog. A world of celluloid dreams, hidden behind the unfocused lenses, waiting to be beautifully captured and emotionally explored is what motivates me incessantly to pursue this challenging academic endeavor. In the face of these soaring dreams, stands an unfamiliar platform that my family has not yet trodden - a college degree.

The motivation for this desired academic journey is multi-faceted - personal achievement, passion for my chosen field, and the ambition to blaze a trail for the generation that follows. Coming from a family where education was halted prematurely, my parents were unable to complete their education, my goals are underlined by the burning desire to become a first-generation graduate. The task is undoubtedly difficult, but for me, the goal remains unblurred.

My parents' stories carry powerful reminders of the stark contrast between opportunities, life experiences, and career paths that an academic degree can provide. They are not tales of regret but rather innocuous recollections wrapped in layers of unfulfilled dreams. I channel these anecdotal life lessons into an unwavering commitment to undertake the pursuit of my academic goals. The empathetic lesson is sharp, direct, and etched in my mind - education, the pursuit of it, is indeed a gift of opportunity not afforded to all.

Interested in a notoriously competitive industry like Film, I am aware that walking on this path involves extensive preparation, academic rigor, and enormous emotional strength. Through my lens, the world of film and video production provides a platform to curate imaginative stories and share them with the world. Harbouring dreams of stepping into this dynamic industry, my academic ambitions are not merely aimed at a degree. They encapsulate the zeal to master cinematographic techniques, understand the nuances of video productions, and the art of storytelling, making every academic stride resonate with my inner passion.

Staying focused during this journey necessitates an iron will, commitment, and an unwavering belief in one's abilities. My family's narrative continues to foreground my determination, serving as consistent motivation. Empowered by their trust and tales of untapped potential, I hold steadfast, concentrating on my academic aspirations. Keeping an organized and structured approach towards my academics ensures the constant progression towards my targets. In moments where the light flickers, I find steadying anchors in productive pastimes that not only relax me but also feed my creative inclinations.

I am committed to my storyline - the daunting world of degrees, film, cameras, and unscripted narratives. It is one that propels me to take on the demanding journey of pursuing my academic aspirations. It is not merely a recounting of a dream to conquer college and make my mark in film, but an chronicle of my motivations, my concentration, and what I am becoming - a tale that others did not see in me.