The Next Astronaut by William

The Next Astronaut by William - September 2015 Scholarship Essay

A solid work ethic is the hardest component to maintain in order to be a successful student. I have found that a driven person can accomplish anything goal they want to obtain. This is a lesson I learned from a lifelong friendship with my best friend Wil.
The story begins in kindergarten when we first became friends. We walked around the playground gossiping about what want to do with our lives, a conversation that was sparked due to a homework assignment that our teacher, Mrs. Smatana gave us: what do you want to be when you grow up? This was something I have never pondered myself, yet Wil knew immediately. Astronaut. He said it without hesitation and never second guessed himself. I had no idea, and to be honest I thought it was just some little kid dream.
The question appeared for a second time when my grades first started to slip, in the sixth grade. This time posed as a condescending statement from my science teacher, who knew I never tried in class, and assumed that I was fine with the poor marks I was getting. In fact at the time I was. Wil and I were at his house playing video games on his couch when again, I posed the same question as in kindergarten. He responded: “I told you already, I’m going to be an astronaut.” And we continued to play Star Wars Battlefront, for the rest of the night.
Senior year of high school, Wil told me he had applied and been accepted into aerodynamic engineering program in the Air Force Academy, and been given a full ride. I had to google what that meant for him, and what I found astonishes me to this day. According to the Air Force Academy’s website they have a 16.6% acceptance rate, but not only do you need to perform well in academics, but also the applicants must be in top physical condition. I asked him about why he chose that major, and he responded: “That’s the major for astronauts.”
From my friendship with the most determined and dedicated man that I know, I’ve learned, that if you can focus on something you want, and apply yourself every day, there is no possibility. It will happen.