The Power of Preparation by Lauryn

The Power of Preparation by Lauryn - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

One small habit that has made a significant difference in my academic and personal success is the way I prepare at the beginning of each semester and the way I reset each week. As soon as I receive my syllabi, I upload every assignment, exam, and important deadline into my Google Calendar. This practice allows me to visualize the entire semester at a glance and anticipate particularly demanding weeks before they arrive. Instead of reacting to stress, I am able to plan for it. If I see overlapping exams or major deadlines, I begin preparing earlier and adjust my schedule accordingly. This simple act of organization transforms overwhelming workloads into manageable tasks.

In addition to semester planning, I maintain a consistent Sunday reset routine. Each week, I do my laundry, clean my apartment, review my Google Calendar, and look ahead at upcoming deadlines. I reflect on what needs immediate attention and prioritize my responsibilities. I also make time to treat myself, usually by enjoying a meal outside of the dining hall, which gives me something small to look forward to and helps me begin the week with a positive mindset. This routine has helped me stay disciplined, focused, and mentally prepared. It reinforces the idea that success is built on consistency rather than last-minute effort.

At the University of South Florida, I am a student in the Honors College pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in French. I have maintained a 3.88 GPA while serving as president of the USF Kosove Society, the university’s most prestigious scholarship program emphasizing leadership and community service. I am also a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, the Student Philanthropy Council, the Pre-Dental Society, and the French Club. In addition, I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where I serve as Co-Chair of Economic Development, planning initiatives that promote financial literacy and economic empowerment. Beyond campus, I mentor high-risk youth through the Take Stock in Children program and provide pre-dental advising to high school students through We Know Campus.

While these accomplishments reflect leadership and academic achievement, they are sustained by the habits I practice consistently. Uploading syllabi into my calendar and completing a weekly reset may seem small, but they represent intentional discipline and foresight. These routines allow me to balance rigorous coursework, leadership roles, service commitments, and preparation for dental school. More importantly, they have taught me that preparation is an act of self-respect and responsibility. By staying organized and proactive, I have been able to maintain excellence while continuing to grow as a leader and future healthcare professional.