More Than a Finish Line by Kaylie

More Than a Finish Line by Kaylie - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

As I step into my senior year of high school, I’m walking in with purpose. My goals for the year
are clear: earn straight
A’s, give my all in wrestling, swimming, and track and field, and soak up
every moment of this final chapter. These aren’
t just checkboxes; they
’re fueled by
discipline,
determination, and one very personal reason: my grandmother.
Academics come first for me, not just because grades matter, but because I’m building the
foundation for my future. I dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports
medicine; a challenging path I’m read
y to face head-on. Whether it
’s diving deep into anatomy,
pushing through chemistry labs, or spending late nights stud
ying, I’m willing to put in the work.
I don’
t just want to get into college; I want to thrive there.
Sports have shaped me just as much as academics. In the water, on the mat, or on the track, I’ve
learned that progress comes from showing up every
day, read
y to push myself just a little
further. Balancing three sports has taught me how to manage my time, stay mentally strong, and
keep going even when it
’s tough; skills I carry into every part of my life.
Still, I don’
t want senior year to be only about practices and tests. I want to laugh with my friends
at football games, cheer on my teammates, and create memories I’ll carry with me forever. This is
my last lap of high school, and I want to run it with both passion and joy.
My grandmother is the reason behind it all. She’s my role model, my biggest supporter, and the
person who’s shown me what resilience really looks like. Her sacrifices gave me the freedom to
dream big, and I carry that gratitude into everything I do. When I’m pushing through a late-
night stud
y session or struggling through a tough workout, I think about her strength. I want to
succeed not only for myself, but for her; for the doors she’s opened and the faith she’s had in me.
This year isn’
t just the end of high school; it
’s the start of everything I’ve been working toward.
And I’m read
y to give it my all