Her Strength, My Start by Roman

Her Strength, My Start by Roman - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

“Keep your head up and your heart in it,” my mom always says As I start college, her words are more than a comfort; they’re a mission. Feeling a mix of excitement, nerves, and a strong sense of purpose. This is going to be a fresh start and a chance to figure out who I am, dive into my studies, and start building the life I’ve been working toward. With that in mind, I’ve set three goals for myself this year: to get involved on campus, to lock down effective study habits, and to embrace growth by stepping out of my comfort zone. Each one reflects my drive to become not just a better student, but a more confident, capable version of myself. Someone who is ready for a future in accounting and beyond.
First, I want to be part of student organizations that help me grow socially and professionally. I’m looking forward to finding my people, whether that’s through a fraternity, a car club, or pickup basketball games. College is full of opportunities to meet new faces and try things I’ve never done before, and I don’t want to miss out. At the same time, I’m serious about my future in accounting, so I’m planning to join business-related clubs that can help me get a head start. I want to learn from others, develop leadership skills, and begin building the network that’ll matter once I graduate. It’s about more than just building a resume , I want to find real community, build real connections, and enjoy the process.
My second goal is to figure out how I learn best and stick with it. In high school, studying often felt like guesswork. I'd try one method, then another, without ever knowing what really clicked. I don’t want to keep guessing, I want to experiment until I find a system that works for me. Whether that means group sessions, flashcards, spaced repetition apps, or quiet time with just my notes and a good playlist. College classes are no joke, and I know staying on top of them starts with knowing myself. I’m ready to put in the work to make sure I don’t just get by, but actually do well.
Last but definitely not least, I want to challenge myself to grow beyond academics. For me college isn’t just gonna be about the classroom, it's about learning how to live, too. I want to try things I’ve never tried before: say yes to spontaneous adventures, explore random food spots, talk to people I might normally pass by. Maybe I’ll join a club that has nothing to do with my interests, just to see where it leads. I want to stay curious, open-minded, and a little brave, because that’s how growth happens.
At the heart of all this is my mom. She’s a single parent who’s always found a way to keep our family going, even when things get hard. No excuses, no complaints, just grit, love, and hustle. Watching her push through challenges with determination and strength has shaped how I approach everything. She’s the reason I want to make the most of this opportunity. I want her to see that all her sacrifices mattered. All of her hard work made this possible, and that I’m not going to waste it.