Commitment to Higher Education by Scarlett

Commitment to Higher Education by Scarlett - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Dear Scholarship Committee,

My name is Scarlett Ward, a rising graduate student at Ohio University (OU) passionate about the field of education. I am writing this essay to express my commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey.

When the question, "What motivates you to pursue your academic goals?" confronts me, the answer lies in my enduring dedication to fostering student success. Having almost completed a bachelor’s in Technical and Applied Studies through College Credit Plus while also being a senior in high school, my motivation springs from past experiences with some unhelpful and some extremely supportive counselors. As a CCP student, I was fortunate to maintain a consistent GPA of 3.9 at the college and a weighted 4.8 at the high school, an accomplishment that I take immense pride in as it reflects my academic perseverance and signifies my tenacity to strive for, and maintain, a level of excellence.

My goal is to enhance the student learning experience profoundly, driven by my belief that every student deserves to flourish in an environment that encourages creativity, fosters curiosity, and bolsters individual strength. By furthering my studies through a master's program in College Student Personnel, I aim to expand my knowledge and hone my skills in administratively supporting students, thereby contributing directly to improving higher education's landscape.

However, it is not just the desire to make an impact that fuels my motivation, but also the daily progress I make towards my goals. Staying focused is a challenge in itself, one that I navigate by consistently taking strides towards my ambitions each day. Be it contemplating my future course of action, taking concrete steps towards my master's program, or actively seeking scholarships like the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship, it is these daily increments and my consistent strides towards goal-realization that keep me rooted and focused.

I have learned that success is cumulative, resulting from consistent daily efforts rather than occasional leaps of progress. This understanding has refined my strategy for progress, demanding regular small steps instead of waiting for one grand leap. Every morning, I remind myself of the bigger picture, imbuing my daily activities with purpose and aligning them with my overarching educational and career ambitions.

Applying for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship is, therefore, an integral part of this process, leading me closer to my academic goals and consequently my career aspirations. I commit myself to leveraging this scholarship to its fullest potential, diligently utilizing it not only to clear financial hurdles on my path to higher education but also to contribute significantly to advancing student academic experiences.

In conclusion, my motivation stems from a sincere desire to better students' academic journeys and fulfill my vision of influential leadership in higher educational settings. I understand the responsibility that this scholarship entails and am ready to meet it head-on. I am immensely grateful for considering my application and thank the committee for this opportunity.

Sincerely,
Scarlett Ward