Year of Growth and Leadership by Meli'sa

Year of Growth and Leadership by Meli'sa - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

Accepting this new school year provides an opportunity to enhance the resilience, grit, and focus I developed during the last one. As a sophomore at Xavier University of Louisiana, where I study a degree in Biology Pre-Med, I have encountered mental obstacles; however, I have discovered my ability to overcome them as well. As the year goes on, I am creating specific academic, leadership, and personal objectives, but they are fueled by the desire I have to create a solid future foundation in medicine and to positively impact the community that has nourished me.

During my tenure at school, I have always made it a point to perform well in my major science classes. Last year was especially difficult for me, particularly when I had to retake a mathematics course, momentarily slowing my progress toward my degree. Instead of submitting to frustration, I chose to take summer classes—a choice that not only got me back on track but also taught me the value of time management in addition to boosting my confidence in my capabilities. As I enter into this next year, I am firmly dedicated to keeping a high GPA by strongly following through on my study plan, taking advantage of campus resources such as tutoring, and working closely with other students in study groups. I fully understand that obtaining strong grades is necessary to bring my dream of becoming a doctor to fruition.

Among my goals is to develop as a leader of the campus community. I am actively involved with the Xavier Activities Board (XAB), specifically the music and concert committee, and I am also an active member of the NAACP. My time is spent volunteering with the Mobilization at Xavier program (MAX) and Vincent’s Vault Food Pantry. I am also proud to be a member of the XULA Texas Student Union and the Pre-Alumni Council. I am involved in these organizations to enhance campus life, promotes students' interests, and connect with like-minded individuals who have a passion for service. My motivation to stay active is centered on the notion that leadership is not about titles; leadership is what makes you a better person for those around you. This year, I plan to take on a more active leadership position in these clubs, assist in organizing events that benefit students, and mentor freshmen in need of guidance.

Personally, I long for the intense development of discipline, grit, and self-care habits responsible for my success. The last year has left an indelible mark on me, showing me that failures are not just setbacks but chances for personal growth and self-enhancement. Sourced from within is a bountiful flow of inspiration, complemented by copious evidence of overcoming adversity and emerging stronger. Such is also sourced from my family members, who have, at all times, advocated for education as a medium for turning dreams into reality and building a worthy life for the younger generations.

As I look forth into the horizon of the next year, I hope to look beyond simple checklist completion and grades and instead work toward developing the habits, skills, and relationships that will determine my future. I hope to be an active student, a committed servant leader, and an emerging physician—someone who plans to use education to make a difference. Whatever obstacles come during the course of the year, I will approach them with the unshakeable determination that has brought me this far, and I am sure come the end of this journey, I would have become a more mature iteration of myself than when I started.