Building Momentum: My Aspirations for the Year Ahead by Elizabeth

Building Momentum: My Aspirations for the Year Ahead by Elizabeth - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

As I begin my sophomore year at The Ohio State University majoring in Mechanical Engineering, I see this school year as a critical step toward turning my long-term goals into tangible progress. Last year was about learning the rhythm of college life—balancing demanding coursework, adjusting to independence, and finding my place in a large university. This year, I want to move from adjusting to excelling, and I have set several aspirations to guide that growth.

Strengthening My Technical Skills
My first aspiration is to deepen my knowledge in core engineering subjects such as thermodynamics, materials science, and computer-aided design. These are the building blocks of my future career in STEM, and mastering them now will allow me to take on more advanced, project-based work later. I plan to supplement classroom learning with online courses and design challenges so that I’m not just passing exams, but truly developing expertise I can use in real-world applications.

Gaining Hands-On Experience
I also want to participate in an engineering research lab or join a student design team this year. Whether it’s contributing to a robotics project or working on sustainable energy solutions, hands-on work will help me apply theory to practice and develop problem-solving skills. I’ve already begun networking with professors and attending student organization meetings to find the right opportunity.

Expanding My Professional Network
Another aspiration is to build a stronger professional network. This includes attending career fairs, connecting with alumni, and seeking a summer internship. I know that engineering is not just about what you know, but also about who you can collaborate with to solve problems. Building those relationships now will open doors for future learning and career growth.

Giving Back Through Mentorship
Finally, I want to give back by mentoring first-year engineering students who are navigating the same transition I went through last year. Offering guidance on time management, study strategies, and campus resources will allow me to share what I’ve learned while strengthening my own leadership skills.

What Motivates Me
My motivation comes from a combination of personal experience and future vision. Growing up, I often worked alongside my grandfather, who could fix almost anything. His resourcefulness showed me the satisfaction that comes from solving problems and creating lasting solutions. That early inspiration has evolved into my drive to become an engineer who designs innovations that improve lives.

I’m also motivated by resilience. In high school, I tore my ACL while playing basketball. The injury kept me off the court for months, but it taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to channel frustration into action. I bring that same mindset to my studies: when I encounter challenges, I see them as opportunities to grow stronger.

Looking Ahead
This school year is not just about grades or credits—it’s about building momentum. Every skill I sharpen, every project I complete, and every connection I make will bring me closer to a career where I can contribute to meaningful technological advances. I’m motivated by the knowledge that the effort I put in now will multiply over time, allowing me to step into the future confident, prepared, and ready to make a difference.