Path to Success: Vincent Van Gogh by Savannah

Path to Success: Vincent Van Gogh by Savannah - November 2018 Scholarship Essay

In recent years I have found myself fascinated by the idea of normality. What does normal mean to you? Is it interpreted more positively or negatively? Juggling with this idea, I decided to choose a senior quote that was not like any other; It is unique.

"Normality is a paved road: It's comfortable to walk but no flowers grow." By Vincent Van Gogh. Now I know what you are thinking, what's so special about it? Well, I'm here to tell you. The reason why I would choose this quote is all in its interpretation. To me, Vincent Van Gogh was more than just an artist. He was a teacher, a student, a preacher, a clerk, and a bookseller. At the age of 27, he left his life to dedicate his life to his work. He faced criticism from his parents who were deeply disappointed as he went against the social norms of the time. Vincent knew the choice he was making and pursued it because he knew that following your dreams and doing what makes you happy was the one and only way to live life. Normality is a paved road. It is hard, measured, and is built for the masses. He said paved roads are comfortable to walk because for the first 27 years of his life he walked it, only then realizing that even though it makes life easy, it prevents life. Flowers are colorful and unique and he realized they are all the more special.

Having dabbled in art myself this quote made me realize how comfortable I was, I was not growing into my potential. Vincent Van Gohn is one of the most influential artists of all time and if all it takes is to appreciate a flower, I'm in.