New Year, New Me by Maya

New Year, New Me by Maya - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

As yet another new school year approaches, now is the perfect time for me to reflect on my personal aspirations for the coming months. As someone who has always been motivated by success and overcoming difficulties, I view each school year as an opportunity for growth and productivity, whether that is in terms of academics or other areas of my life. Thus, it is evident that having clear goals is the first step to maintaining my focus and motivation throughout the impending challenges of senior year.
One of my main aspirations is to maintain my academic performance. Completing assignments on time, preparing for exams, and actively participating in class discussions are just some of the ways I plan to stay organized, consistent, and engaged. However, I also prefer to challenge myself to go beyond simply passing my classes. By truly understanding the subject matter, I can apply what I learn to the real world. This attention to detail will allow me to retain useful information in the long run, instead of it all going in one ear and out the other.
However, thriving in an academic setting isn’t the only important aspect of a student’s success. Because of this, my second aspiration is to put more effort into my extracurriculars. From joining various clubs, to playing sports, to volunteering in the community, these experiences will help me develop leadership skills, new friendships, and a balance to my heavy workload.
That being said, when all is said and done, it is of utmost importance to rest, relax, and recharge. This year, I want to take better care of my mental health. Managing my stress levels, getting at least eight hours of sleep per night, and spending more time with my family and friends are just some of the ways I hope to achieve this. By developing better habits and asking for help when I need it, I will be much more likely to achieve the long-term success that I desire.
Ultimately, my overarching aspiration for the upcoming school year is to build upon the foundations that I have already created for myself. If I work hard on my academics and extracurriculars, while still leaving time to relax, I believe that this school year will be one of the most meaningful and rewarding yet.