Advice To Myself by Samaria

Advice To Myself by Samaria - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could give one piece of advice to my past self, it would be this: no matter how hard things get, never stop believing that your dreams can become reality. Growing up in a household where financial instability was a constant, I always worried that the things I wanted most in life education, success, the ability to give back would remain out of reach. I worked tirelessly, juggling school and jobs, trying to make my family proud while also trying to figure out how to chase my own dreams. There were so many times I wanted to give up because the weight of everything seemed too heavy to carry. But what I’ve learned is that it’s precisely in those moments of struggle where growth happens.

I would tell my younger self that the late nights spent studying, the exhausting hours working to support my family, and the sacrifices made for others aren’t just obstacles they are the very things that will shape the person I’m becoming. I’ve always wanted to give back to those in need because I know what it’s like to be the one who needs help. I want to be the person who can provide both mental and physical support to others, whether as a forensic psychologist or a physical therapist.

The dream of becoming a forensic psychologist or a physical therapist isn’t just about a career for me. It’s about proving that, even when financial circumstances seem impossible, persistence, hard work, and compassion can create pathways where there once seemed to be none. I want to be the person who helps others find strength when they feel like giving up and I know this scholarship is a critical step in making that a reality.

If I could go back, I would remind myself that no matter how uncertain the road seems, my determination will always light the way forward. And to never forget that, with every challenge, there is an opportunity to grow and with every setback, there is a lesson to be learned.