What aspirations do you have for the upcoming school year and what motivates you to achieve them? by Jordyn

What aspirations do you have for the upcoming school year and what motivates you to achieve them? by Jordyn - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

As I enter my junior year of high school, I’m more motivated than ever to grow, push myself, and prepare for the future I’ve always dreamed about. This year, my aspirations are focused on academic excellence, leadership, personal growth, and laying the foundation for a future in the culinary industry.
Academically, I plan on staying focused on my grades and improving in the areas where I’ve struggled in the past. Junior year is an important step toward college, and I want to be ready for that next chapter by keeping my GPA strong and building solid study habits. I also hope to get more involved in school events and activities that help me grow as a person and as a leader.

One of my biggest goals this year is to take on a stronger role in my school’s marching band. Marching band has been a huge part of my high school experience so far. Marching band has taught me discipline, teamwork, and the joy of working hard toward a shared goal. I hope to lead by example and support my fellow bandmates through long practices, early mornings, and exciting performances. The marching band is like a second family to me, and I want to contribute to its success however I can. Outside of school activities, I’m also focused on exploring my passion for food. I’ve always loved cooking and trying new recipes, and I know I want to pursue a career in the culinary field. This year, I plan to attend the school program EVIT as it is related to food and hospitality. I want to learn more about what it takes to run a kitchen, manage a team, and eventually open my own restaurant or café. Whether it’s through a part-time job, a cooking class, or simply spending more time in the kitchen at home, I’m excited to start gaining real-world experience in the field I love.

What motivates me most is my mom. She’s a single parent who has worked incredibly hard to give me every opportunity she could. Watching her balance so much with so little has inspired me to work just as hard and make her proud. I want to show her that all her sacrifices were worth it.

My other motivation comes from within. I know what it feels like to have big dreams and limited resources. That feeling pushes me to be resourceful, focused, and never give up. I believe that if I put in the work now; both in and out of school, I’ll have a better chance of achieving everything I want later. This school year is more than just another grade. It’s a stepping stone toward who I want to become, and I’m ready to give it my all.