Exploring Everything by Sydney

Exploring Everything by Sydney - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

Like many, I have always dreaded the classic first day of school icebreakers and questionnaires, but I particularly loathed one specific question. “What is your favorite subject in school?” My hatred for this question did not stem from a dislike of school but rather a passion for almost every subject. I hated trying to think of one subject that I loved more or found more entertaining, but I love them all the same.
As I grow older, the issue of a favorite subject in school has grown larger than not knowing what to put on an all about me poster. As college application season has officially rounded the corner, I can not put off the question on what I plan on studying much longer. Today, I have officially narrowed down my endless list of passions to two possible fields of study. Political science or molecular biology and genetics. My two strongest passions could not appear more different, but I can not choose one.
Political science represents the side of me that yearns for a better world. As a woman of color in today’s day, I realize that our world is the best it has ever been for people like me. That does not mean that our world has no room for improvement. I love public speaking, and I want to use my voice to represent millions like me and fight for a better world. The nuances of any political system deeply interest me, and I can see myself finding happiness as a politician or lawyer.
Molecular biology and genetics represent my love for discovery and my interest in how exactly everything around us works. Science explains everything around us, and I love continuing to learn about the whys of life. Genetics in particular fascinates me. I know I would love exploring careers as a geneticist or another position in the medical field.
Although I can see myself finding happiness in either field of study, I can not seem to come to a decision on what I wish to do with my life. I realize that in a couple of months I must check a box for what major I wish to pursue, but how can I choose one passion and ignore the other side of myself? I felt trapped, until I realized that I do not have to decide.
My next big educational goal is to find a school where I can explore both of my passions. Dual degree programs or open curriculums offer me this opportunity. As I begin to explore both passions in depth, I am confident that this will allow me to discover what I truly wish to accomplish my life. Whether my future career lies in the world of politics or the realm of science, I am confident that with more education in both areas I can make the best decision for my future.
My wish to attend college to explore both of my passions is influenced by more than simply myself. From an early age, my parents have continually pushed me to pursue my dreams. Both of my parents did not grow up with much, but they worked endlessly to achieve their goals. Their hard work has inspired me to attempt to accomplish the same. Attempting to study two completely different subjects will not come easy, but I am willing to put in the work to accomplish my dreams.
In one week, I will be back at school participating in the same ice breakers. When the question of favorite subjects at school comes up again, I will not avoid answering or lie like I have done for eleven years. I will tell the class about my two favorite subjects: government and science. I will nod as people tell me that my two favorites are extremely different and shrug when others ask how I could possibly pursue both. I may not know exactly how I plan on studying science and government, but I feel confident that no matter where I go after high school, I can find a way to pursue political science and molecular biology.