Discovering My Path Through Passion and Purpose by Sophia

Discovering My Path Through Passion and Purpose by Sophia - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

If you had asked me five years ago what I wanted to study in college, I probably would’ve said something vague like, “I don’t know—something fun?” But after a lot of growing, dreaming, and traveling (17 countries and counting!), I can now confidently say I plan to major in marketing. And yes—it’s fun, but it’s also so much more than that. For me, marketing is about connection, creativity, and the power of storytelling. It’s the perfect bridge between my love for people and my dream of opening my own travel agency someday.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by the way people make choices—what draws them to a destination, what excites them about a product, and what makes an idea stick. I didn’t always know this was *marketing*, but I was already exploring the edges of it—designing fake travel brochures for places I wanted to go, watching commercials like they were mini-movies, and building social media pages just for fun. Looking back, I can see that marketing has been part of my life for a long time. I just didn’t have the word for it yet.

But it was travel that really lit the fire. Every new place I visited taught me something—not just about the world, but about myself. From eating street food in Vietnam to hiking the fjords in Norway, I found joy in learning how different cultures connect and communicate. I realized I want to help others discover that joy too. That’s when the idea of owning a travel agency started to take shape in my mind—one that doesn’t just sell trips, but creates experiences that open hearts and build bridges between people. Marketing is how I’ll make that dream a reality.

I chose marketing because it’s a major that equips me with the tools to share ideas that matter. Whether it’s through digital campaigns, storytelling, branding, or analytics, marketing allows me to be both creative and strategic. And thanks to my time in Grand Canyon University’s entrepreneur club, I’ve already had the chance to meet professionals in the industry and start building my business plan. It’s been empowering to see how I can turn my vision into something real, and marketing is the engine that drives it.

What I love most is that marketing isn’t just about selling—it’s about serving. You have to understand people: what they need, what they value, and how to reach them in meaningful ways. With my background in helping teens at game nights and my passion for community, I feel like marketing is a way to amplify that same heart on a bigger scale.

I also want to show others—especially young people who feel a little “different”—that it’s okay to carve your own path. I was diagnosed with ADHD in high school, and while it’s had its challenges, it also helped me realize I think differently, and that can be a strength. I’ve learned how to manage my executive functioning, organize my priorities, and use my creativity in strategic ways. Marketing allows me to lean into those strengths and grow.

So, why marketing? Because it’s not just a major—it’s my mission. It’s how I’ll help people dream big, explore the world, and feel seen. It’s the foundation for my future business, and the skillset I need to make a lasting impact. With a degree in marketing, I know I can build something meaningful—not just for myself, but for others too.

Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. I’m excited to keep learning, keep traveling, and keep creating a life that reflects both my passion and my purpose.