Aspirations And Motivating Factors For Fall 2025 by Jonathan

Aspirations And Motivating Factors For Fall 2025 by Jonathan - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

Staring at the ceiling in my hospital room facing uncertainty and the unknown, I found purpose and meaning in an unlikely place. Since the summer of 2022, I’ve been battling issues with my lungs collapsing, from a condition called pneumothorax. Overall, I’ve had four collapsed lungs and each time, I’ve spent over two weeks in the hospital for surgeries on both lungs. This experience challenged me physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was concerned for my health and also my academics because I knew it was a pivotal year for college preparation. During my time at the hospital, I was battling depression and questioning why this was all happening to me. But every time I was feeling down, I had family members and friends that kept me encouraged from their joyful visits and FaceTime calls. This situation made me appreciate and value life more, and recognize that I am here for a purpose. This experience has given me great life perspective, and taught me to be grateful for every breath I breathe. One positive that I’ve gained from my time away from sports is that it has given me an opportunity to develop as a scholar and explore future opportunities. Although I spent a month in the hospital this past spring, I achieved a high GPA and I made the North Hennepin Community College Dean's list as a full time PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) student. This is an accomplishment I’m very proud of, and it also increased my academic self-confidence to another level. During this same hospital stay, I had an interview for an internship through Genesys Works/INROADS for a summer opportunity at United Health Group. The interviewers saw me as a top candidate due to my demonstrated resilience. I wanted to show that although I was in a challenging situation, I was focusing on having a positive growth mindset. I was later offered an internship with United Health Group, which was a phenomenal learning experience on professionalism, knowing my role on a team and being planful. Through multiple surgeries, I stayed on top of my work because I knew this situation was only temporary. This experience revealed to me that I am capable of pushing through adversity whenever the hurdles of life come my way. I’ve also been developing a strong work ethic for the last 3 years as an employee at Chik-Fil-A. I am currently learning what everyone’s responsibility is, so that one day I can be an owner/operator of my own. The current owner has been mentoring me, in addition to other shadow opportunities from other local entrepreneurs and executives. Majoring in business management or business administration may be a route I desire to take. The other potential major is English or Political Science as a pathway to the field of Law. I’ve always been fascinated by the impact attorneys have in the courtroom and how some have influence on policy decisions. To learn more about the field up close, I’ve had an opportunity to shadow and speak with:
County Attorneys, Judges; Minnesota Attorney General; Minnesota Senate President
National Football League Hall of Famer and Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page: Chris Stewart, Managing Partner at Stewart, Miller Simmons. From my observation, the best leaders are those who try to be well-rounded and able to have a conversation with anyone. In addition to striving for academic excellence, I really enjoy playing basketball, baseball and singing. In my faith community, I’ve been able to sing with a community choir called Known MPLS as well. I also enjoy traveling, listening to music and spending time with my family. Spiritual formation with a heart for service is why I desire to be at your university, on my way to making a positive impact from my time of growth on your campus. In addition to working hard, I would like to be on a campus where I will have some fun as well. In summary, I recognize that to whom much is given, much more is required and expected. At first, I withdrew from those expectations because of the pressure. Then I later realized that pressure is a privilege. The pressure exists because those who care the most for me believe that I have something positive and great to contribute to those around me. I would like the experience of being a student at the University of St. Thomas to be a part of that contribution. This is my story and this is what motivates me everyday to be the best version I can be because I've come to far in life to give up and throw it all away. My mindset is different because of what I've been through and I'm prepared to face any challenge and strive for greatness as much as I possibly can.