New Chapter by Shkyla

New Chapter by Shkyla - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

As an academically driven and highly active student, I aim to make my final year of high school both purposeful and fulfilling. Entering senior year with over 60 college credits, all requirements for my Associate of Arts degree at Florida International University completed, and more than 30 high school credits, I have worked hard to prepare for the future. Now, I want to balance my ambition with a sense of calm—making space to fully experience this important year.

My top academic priority is to continue fulfilling my medical school prerequisites while deepening my knowledge for my future career as a physician-scientist. In medicine, I will need the ability to assess patients holistically, which requires not only technical expertise but also the skill to prioritize and deliver quality results. I am motivated to refine this skill now, learning when and where to direct my energy most effectively.

Two activities hold special importance among my commitments. First, my role in my church’s dance ministry allows me to express my faith and build unity through movement. Second, my involvement in my school’s Science National Honor Society, with its pre-med focus, enables me to encourage peers by connecting them with healthcare professionals and mentoring them toward successful careers in STEM.

My aspirations for this year stem from a desire to grow academically, personally, and spiritually—ensuring that I am not only prepared for the challenges ahead but also able to inspire and guide others along the way.