Mondays by Vraj

Mondays by Vraj - May 2022 Scholarship Essay

There are two reasons I love Mondays. First, the best TV shows air. Second, I can attend my weekly Technology Student Association (TSA) meetings. To a casual onlooker, TSA may look like a madhouse: in one corner, there’s a congregation of students crying over broken wooden bridges, and in another, members fencing with random robotics parts. However, it’s memories like these that have made TSA a staple in my life.
Ever since attending my first TSA meeting, I was allured by its engineering opportunities. I remember the moment when my advisor posted event sign-ups my sophomore year. Flicking my fingers across my mouse pad, I scanned for the perfect event. Then, I found it: Prepared Presentation. I quickly signed up and sat back in my chair as a grin crept along my face. Presentations have allowed me to explore various technological concepts and teach them to a larger audience. However, after noticing that several upperclassmen also signed up for Prepared Presentation, reality hit me. “How would I compete inexperienced?” I wondered. I was a wounded gazelle among fierce lions. My chapter thought otherwise, though.
Their echoes of encouragement ran through my ears, inspiring me to take a stand. Every Monday, I had my friends and advisors for guidance. Prepared Presentation wasn’t a simple event, but an outlet to discuss interdisciplinary fields from business and engineering to ethics and eco-design. Instead of remaining fearful, I reminded myself of what I accomplished as chapter president the past year. Similar to those that assisted me with Prepared Presentation, I acted as a guiding light for newer members to feel comfortable within their events. These lessons empowered me to voice my personal opinions and have a lasting impact on my chapter. I endeavored to do the same with my presentation audience — connect and leave an unceasing effect.
When the presentation time arrived, I greeted the judges and began. I became more confident with discussing my topic on future advancements in technology and medicine in detail. When I concluded, I was no longer a gazelle among lions, rather a lion itself.
Experiences like these depict the power of encouragement and perseverance, reminding me of the numerous hours I have dedicated to TSA to flourish. I hope to spend the rest of my life championing these memories, but for now, I’ll look forward to my next TSA meeting and of course, my favorite TV shows.