A Year of Growth, Leadership, and Opportunity by Jannebu

A Year of Growth, Leadership, and Opportunity by Jannebu - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

As I prepare to enter my sophomore year, I find myself reflecting on the challenges and lessons of freshman year and looking forward to approaching this next chapter with more confidence and purpose. Freshman year was a time of adjustment—new social scenes, heavier workloads, and a level of independence that I wasn’t fully prepared for. While no advice could have truly prepared me for everything, experiencing it firsthand taught me valuable lessons about managing college life.

Last year, I often found myself procrastinating, leaving assignments until the last minute and pulling all-nighters just to keep up. This wasn’t the healthiest way to work, and it created unnecessary stress. Now, I have a better understanding of how to manage my time and workload. My goal for this year is to improve my time management skills by tackling assignments as soon as they’re given, so I’m not overwhelmed later on. I want to build a consistent routine that allows me to stay ahead academically while making time for other important parts of college.

In addition to academics, I plan to be more involved on campus. Although I participated in clubs last year, I didn’t take on any leadership roles. This year, I want to challenge myself by stepping into leadership positions or possibly even starting my own club. I believe these roles will help me develop important skills like communication, organization, and teamwork, skills that will benefit me far beyond college. I also want to engage with healthcare-related programs and fellowships, particularly those that provide hands-on experience in fields like dermatology, which I’m passionate about exploring further. Securing an internship or summer job in healthcare will be a key step toward gaining real-world insight and advancing my career goals.

While I am ambitious about my studies and career, I also recognize that college is a unique experience that should be enjoyed. I plan to balance my academic goals with social activities like attending basketball games, spending time with friends, and embracing all the moments that make college memorable. These experiences are just as valuable as grades and internships, and I want to make sure I’m fully living this part of my life.

Networking is another priority. I’ve started attending professional events and want to continue building connections that will support me in the future. Being present in these spaces and engaging with professionals helps me learn and grow while laying the groundwork for my career.

After reflecting on my freshman year, I’ve also realized the importance of setting realistic academic goals. Instead of pushing for perfection and becoming discouraged, I’m aiming for a steady GPA around 3.5 each semester. I want to focus on consistent progress and celebrate my growth rather than stressing over unattainable standards.

Beyond my goals and plans, what truly motivates me is the unwavering support of my family. They believe in me wholeheartedly, and knowing that I have their love and encouragement gives me strength every day. I want to make them proud, not only through my achievements but by becoming a person they can look up to. I also want to be a role model for incoming freshmen, someone who shows that challenges can be overcome with persistence and balance.

I measure my progress regularly, reflecting on what I’m doing well and where I need to improve. This habit of self-awareness keeps me motivated to break bad habits and build better ones. I wake up every day driven by the desire to grow, not just academically, but as a person who can face challenges with resilience and optimism.

In addition to these academic and personal goals, I’m working on practical steps like taking more driving lessons with the hope of earning my license by the end of next year. I’m also committed to saving money to support my experiences and opportunities, like internships and travel. These actions may seem small, but they are important milestones on my path to independence and success.

In short, my aspirations for this upcoming school year are about building on what I’ve learned, stepping into leadership, gaining experience in healthcare, and balancing hard work with meaningful social connections. But even more than that, my motivation comes from knowing I have a strong support system behind me and from a desire to grow into the best version of myself. This scholarship would help me focus on these goals without the added worry of financial strain, and I am excited to make the most of this next chapter with confidence, balance, and purpose.