Redefining Success by Brooklynne

Redefining Success by Brooklynne - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

This upcoming school year, I’m stepping into something new and unfamiliar. I’ll be taking dual credit college courses for the first time, surrounded by new people, in a completely different environment, and away from the friends I’ve known for years. It’s my senior year, and instead of coasting through it comfortably, I’m choosing to challenge myself. That decision is a big deal for me, especially considering where I started.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve carried the weight of trying to be perfect. I wanted to be the one who had everything figured out; smart, likable, capable. Teachers called me a perfectionist, and I wore that label proudly. I worked hard to keep up that image, whether it meant chasing grades or blending in socially. In middle school, I often changed parts of myself just to fit in, afraid that being too different might mean being left out. Eventually, the pressure I placed on myself began to crack the image I tried so hard to maintain.

When I got a D on a math test, I spiraled. I couldn’t sleep. My thoughts raced with anxiety: What if I wasn’t actually smart? What if my teachers or parents thought less of me? That one test felt like the end of the world. I was later diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, which forced me to confront how deeply perfectionism was hurting me. I realized I had built an identity around being flawless, and I didn’t know who I was without it.

Being an only child added to the pressure. My parents never demanded perfection from me, but I still wanted to be someone they could proudly brag about. Sometimes, I wished I had a sibling just so the weight of expectations could be shared. I felt alone, overwhelmed, and unsure of who I really was beneath the surface level achievements.

But over time, and with support, I started to shift my mindset. I learned that being adaptable is more valuable than being perfect. It’s okay not to have everything figured out. It’s okay to mess up and try again. I began to let go of the fear of making mistakes and started embracing the idea of being a learner and not just a performer.

That’s part of what motivates me as I enter this school year. Taking college courses while still in high school is a big step, especially when it means leaving behind familiar faces and routines. But instead of letting fear hold me back, I’m leaning into this change. I want to build confidence in new spaces, meet new people, and challenge myself academically in ways I never have before. I want to show myself that I am capable, not because I never struggle, but because I keep showing up.

Academically, I’m especially excited to explore science more deeply, since I hope to become a forensic scientist. My interest in this field has only grown through hands-on workshops and conversations with real professionals. The idea of analyzing evidence, solving mysteries, and helping victims and families find closure speaks to something deeper in me. I want to be part of the 5% of Black women in STEM and bring both skill and empathy to a field that needs more inclusive voices. That dream keeps me focused, even when things feel overwhelming.

This school year, my aspiration is to be honest about who I am, brave about where I’m going, and kind to myself along the way. I’m no longer chasing perfection. I’m chasing growth, purpose, and the chance to make a real impact; not just in forensic science someday, but in how I show up for myself and others right now.