Aspirations for the Upcoming School Year by Samuel

Aspirations for the Upcoming School Year by Samuel - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

As I prepare to begin my first year at Hiram College, I am stepping into a chapter of my life filled with both excitement and responsibility. My aspirations for the upcoming school year involves me earning more than just good grades. I want to grow as a student, as an athlete, and as a person where I help myself build the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that will carry me well beyond college.

Academically, my main goal is to create a strong foundation in accounting, the field I plan to major in. I am motivated by the knowledge that this degree will provide me with career opportunities that can create stability for myself and my family. My mother, a single parent, has worked 80–90 hours a week to provide for us, and her relentless work ethic is one of my greatest sources of motivation. I want to carry that same dedication into my studies, showing her that her sacrifices have made a difference.

Athletically, I look forward to representing Hiram on the volleyball court. I’ve been part of a striving team since my sophomore year of high school, practicing consistently even without formal coaching. Volleyball has taught me the value of teamwork, persistence, and adaptability, which are the lessons that help me use directly for my academic and personal life. Competing at the college level will challenge me physically and mentally, and I aim to balance my training and classes in a way that strengthens both areas of my life.

Beyond grades and athletics, I want to make an impact on campus by being involved in student life and building connections with people from diverse backgrounds. Coming from Orange, New Jersey, and knowing that Hiram doesn’t have a large Black student population, I want to be part of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where others feel seen and valued.

What drives me toward these aspirations is a combination of personal responsibility and vision for the future. I’ve seen firsthand the power of hard work through my mother’s example. I’ve experienced the way dedication can transform skills through my years in volleyball. And I’ve learned that challenges are not obstacles to avoid, but opportunities to grow.

This school year is my chance to set the tone for the rest of my college career. I want to leave my first year not just with good grades, but with confidence, connections, and momentum, knowing that I’ve taken every opportunity to push myself and prepare for what’s next.