Through Perseverance by Emma

Through Perseverance by Emma - April 2026 Scholarship Essay

Just 4 months ago I truly believed I was cursed and had no purpose in this world. Struggling with grief, intense injuries, and not being able to play the sport I call home. While going through these hardships, I learned a very important skill, perseverance. When you put your mind and heart into something you’re bound to accomplish it no matter the circumstance. Guaranteed, there are still times where I get down and think about giving up but that doesn’t mean I won’t find a way to keep pushing. Truly it will be years until I have mastered this skill, but now that I know how much it’s helped me get through my battles I want to be the one to help introduce perseverance to those who are doubtful.

Through my 4 years of college I plan on majoring in psychology to become a sports psychologist. This is where perseverance comes in. Mastering this skill before I start my true job would be extremely beneficial to not only me but also the people I am helping. Sports psychologists teach athletes how to stay calm under pressure, deal with nerves, and bounce back after injuries or tough losses. Having gone through all of these myself and bouncing back after every hardship I want to be the reason an athlete finds their way to the light and even if the path is submerged in darkness. Since I am committed to Chowan University for volleyball, I plan on using my experience in that sport to help me become better at learning perseverance and how to teach others that skill.

All in all, the next four years won’t be easy no matter what, but mastering the skill of perseverance would not only benefit me but also the people around me. My goal as a sports psychologist would be being the shoulder for athletes to lean on when they’re stuck in a cycle of their trauma. Being a collegiate athlete is not easy, but with the right help and guidance you will master the most important skills and lessons of life. So for me to help others, I will have to dedicate myself to mastering perseverance by using the experiences in college to develop it.