Rising Above and Beyond: Charting a Path Towards Financial Stability and Service to Humanity by Rian

Rising Above and Beyond: Charting a Path Towards Financial Stability and Service to Humanity by Rian - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Nothing external to me has the power to take command of my thoughts or emotions. My motivation is internal and deeply personal. My parents, though divorced and struggling financially, have been the primary source of this inner drive. Their strength, resilience, and inexhaustible love, even amidst financial difficulties, continually push me to rise above circumstances and forge a path that embodies success - not just for my personal growth, but to reduce their burden as well.

Despite my parents' hardships, they never lost sight of the value of education and instilled in me the importance of pursuing academic excellence as a path towards a better life. As such, stepping into Tennessee State University, I carry their dreams, tenacity, and spirit of endurance, propelling me to aim to be among the top of my class as I major in Science, Nursing, and Psychology.

The financial struggles I see my parents endure motivate me to strive harder in my studies, but beyond that, it fuels my passion to understand the root of things. In this vein, I have chosen to study Science for it not only teaches me about the world and how it works but also hones my critical thinking skills, enabling me to find solutions and make important decisions in the future.

Nursing and Psychology, on the other hand, appeal to my deep-seated desire to serve people and to help address their mental and physical health needs. Nurse practitioners are often on the frontline, dealing with the socio-economic factors that affect patients' health, including financial difficulties like those my own parents' experience. Empowered with a Psychology background, I aim to use this knowledge in providing holistic care to my patients, understanding that their mental health is inextricably linked with their overall health and well-being.

In these challenging academic pursuits, focus is undoubtedly of utmost importance. I am a firm believer in the beauty of resilience, a trait I've mirrored from my parents. By placing my goals into perspective and constantly reminding myself of the reasons behind my tireless pursuit - my parents' relief and a better future for both myself and my patients - I am able to keep my focus.

Admittedly, distractions abound and my High School GPA of 3.2, while not the highest, is reflective of both my struggles and triumphs. It speaks volumes about a journey that may have been fraught with challenges, but brimming with determination and resilience. It is, in a way, a manifestation of my commitment to keep pressing on despite setbacks and obstacles.

As a proud black woman entering college for the first time, I am ready to embrace the journey that lies ahead. I regard the adversity I face not as a stumbling block but a steppingstone. Yes, the journey will be tough, but so am I. I stand firm, fiercely pursuing my academic goals with the passionate conviction that the future holds a brighter horizon not only for me, but for my parents as well.

In the great words of Maya Angelou, "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." This resounds deeply with me as it is the very essence of my motivation and concentration on my endeavours. The Varsity Tutors College Scholarship will be a monumental boost, bringing me closer to reaching these academic and personal goals, thus providing a sense of relief for my parents and a beacon of hope for our family's future.

Sincerely,

Rian Scott