My Mom's Advice by Riley

My Mom's Advice by Riley - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

"You don't need all "A's" to be loved in this household". It is practically engraved in my mind, a statement so commonly retold in my household. It originated with my mother, a straight "A" student herself, who has had the largest impact on my life of anyone I've ever known. Her most valuable lesson? Success is subjective and is best achieved through self-motivation and hard work.
I've always strived for success. In grades, sports, and Girl Scouts, I've tried to be among the best at anything. Many of my peers and classmates wondered what kept me motivated. What was I working towards that was worth the hard work I was constantly putting into everything I did? The simple answer is I enjoyed working hard. I enjoyed giving my all in everything I did. It provided me with a sense of accomplishment. And I owe this mindset and all my success to my mom.
It seems contradictory, my mother's statement that perfection is unnecessary, and my desire for perfection at all times. But I believe that her acceptance of me, no matter my achievement, turned me into a self-motivated individual. She taught me the value of intrinsic motivation, which carries more power than any external motivator such as grades, test scores, or awards.
Intrinsic motivation outlasts any desire for external reinforcement. For many, awards only reinforce hard work if you win. Test scores only carry power if you score in the top 1%. Grades only provide a sense of accomplishment if you outdo your classmates. But these accomplishments arise through competition. Losing a competition provides a sense of failure, causing many to give up and lose motivation. But motivation from within, a desire to try one's best no matter the outcome, consistently provides one with a feeling of success. A feeling which lingers, and continues to motivate an individual to work hard at anything they do.
I will forever appreciate the impact my mom has had on my educational journey. She's inspired me to work hard at everything I do. I always strive for perfect grades, top test scores, and to achieve prestigious honors. But most importantly, she's taught me that I will be loved no matter what. I feel little pressure in striving for perfection because I know that being successful is an internal feeling, not a title.