Taylor's Aspirations by Taylor

Taylor's Aspirations by Taylor - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

Staring at the clutter of dorm supplies in my living room, I feel a mix of nerves and excitement as I prepare for my freshman year at Michigan State University. One of my biggest aspirations is to excel academically and earn a place on the Dean’s List. As a first-generation student, this milestone would not only honor my family’s sacrifices but also show others in my community what is possible when we chase after education with determination. I see college as more than just lectures and exams. I believe that it is a chance to open doors that were never open to those before me and to carry the hopes of my family with me into every classroom.
I also dream of making an impact on the people I meet. Entering this new stage of life can feel overwhelming, and I know many students around me will feel the same uncertainty I do. I want to create connections, to offer a smile or a kind word that reminds someone they are not alone. Building friendships and easing fears might seem small, but those moments can change someone’s entire day.
Beyond academics and relationships, I am motivated by something bigger. I want my time at Michigan State to be the foundation for the life I’ve always envisioned—one where I uplift others and create real change. I have long dreamed of becoming a politician and shaping policies that make the world more inclusive. That dream begins here, with learning how to navigate challenges, think critically, and build the resilience that leadership requires.
I also want to plant the seeds for the nonprofit work I plan to do. One day, I want to create organizations that fund scholarships for underrepresented students, mentor young girls who don’t yet see their own potential, and provide resources for families who deserve a fair chance at stability and success. College is not just where I will grow, it is where the blueprint for these dreams will take shape.
What motivates me most is knowing that my success is not just for me. Every step forward is for my family, for my community, and for the little brown and Black girls watching who might one day say, “If she did it, I can too.” I want to prove that hard work, compassion, and courage can carry you further than fear ever could.
This school year is the start of that journey. I want to walk into every lecture, every study session, and every opportunity with the same belief: that what I do now will shape the leader I am becoming. And more than anything, I want to leave behind a legacy of hope, even in the smallest ways…whether it’s through a scholarship, a smile, or simply showing someone what’s possible when you never stop dreaming.