DETERMINATION by Spencer

DETERMINATION by Spencer - January 2018 Scholarship Essay

Determination speaks of one’s resolve and or their commitment not to give up. Specifically, for me determination, describes why I wish to attend college. Why this word? First, it describes who I am. Secondly and directly related to who I am, it describes what it takes to attend college. Lastly and not apart from who I am and what it takes, determination describes the motivation behind how I will get there. Saying I want to attend college is one thing, but getting there (i.e. accomplishing it) takes determination.
Who am I? I am a retired Marine from Florida who was raised by a single parent and a godly grandmother. As a kid, playing sports was a priority, but I was taught early the importance of education and its role long after I’m unable to participate in athletics. Needless to say, “I got it,” and the priority of education stuck with me well beyond high school. Sure, I was voted “Most Studious” in High School, albeit was due to determination. I’ve obtained an Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, a Graduate certificate and most recently at the age of 52, a Master of Arts degree. Oh, did I say that all this was accomplished while married with children and working a full time job (mostly while on active duty)? How did I do it? One word: determination! And let me say, the fuel of determination is not running empty by any means. It’s the reason why I’m writing this essay. Determination is driving me to pursue and obtain a Doctorate in Education.
Education is key to learning the things I don’t know, so that I can share them with others. According to Merriam-Webster, determination is defined as a quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult. College is no “walk in the park”. If it was that easy, everyone would be doing it. This is where determination comes in. It shouldn’t be on a person’s “bucket list” that never gets crossed off! For me, determination describes not only the motivation behind why I want to attend college, but it includes “counting the cost” of doing it. Specifically, there are more than enough obstacles (discouragement of others, finances, lack of self-confidence, fear of failure) to prevent me from attending college. However, I was (and still am) determined not to let them win. I’m determined and why should I allow the lack of financial resources in my present prevent it from happening?
Determination has served me well, but hasn’t left me; it’s motivating me to pursue more. When people look at me and see that I’m attending college, they see “determination”. They see the means by which I go from saying “I wish to attend college,” to signing up for my first class! Descriptively, determination is the “caffeine” that gives me the jolt I need in order to move forward and in some cases even fail forward. I’ve chosen “determination,” because it has greatly benefitted me in attending college in the past, present and without a doubt in my mind, the future. Without it, attending college becomes more and more a wish and not a reality.