A Journey of Growth and Self-Discovery by Payton

A Journey of Growth and Self-Discovery by Payton - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

For the upcoming school year, I aspire to put myself first. During my freshman and sophomore years, I found myself constantly spreading too thin—saying yes to everything and everyone, while neglecting my own needs. I wasn’t drowning in the college experience, but I was definitely playing catch-up. I spent a lot of time trying to find myself in others, prioritizing their needs over my own, which ultimately left me disconnected from who I was and where I was going.
This past summer was a turning point. I spent time in self-reflection and therapy, which helped me recognize the silent struggles I had been carrying. I realized how important self-discipline, boundaries, and inner confidence are—not just for college success, but for life. This year, I want to show up as my full self: confident, expressive, original, creative, disciplined, and unapologetically me.
What motivates me is my vision of success. I come from a family-oriented household where people often sacrifice their own dreams for the sake of others. While that selflessness is admirable, I want to break that cycle and show that it’s possible to put yourself first without abandoning your roots. I want to build something of my own—a life, a legacy, an empire. And what fuels me even more is seeing the pride and joy on my family’s faces when I succeed. Their smiles remind me why I’m doing this and keep me striving for more.