A Year of Growth

The year 2021 will go down in history as one of the most chaotic years in history. From discrimination, worldwide pandemic’s, and racsim; so much transpired in just 365 days. While overall the year was not the best time of my life, 2021 was about growth for me. It was my junior year of highschool, which is named the hardest year for all students. The first two marking periods I had fallen into a deep depression. I wasn't doing my work, I barely had friends and my classes seemed to become harder, as I was taking many Honors and Advanced placement classes.

This depression seemed inescapable, then the third marking period hit. News started circulating of a pandemic growing in many nations across the world and in the blink of an eye, the world had shut down. My life seemed like it was over, but a vision appeared to me one night. A dream showed me how applying myself and growing as a person will help me out of my depression, and lead me one step closer to my goals.

The world around me had stopped, and what seemed like a race war had ensued. This chaos only motivated me to get my life back on track, it let me believe I could grow to be a person that brings peace to our world. I put in effort to grow in knowledge, which significantly improved my grades. Then my focus shifted to loving and appreciating myself, so i could then love and appreciate others. I ended junior year with all A’s and one B, and a 3.7 cumulative GPA weighted and gained many friendships. The passions of social service and entrepreneurship awakened in me and the summer brought new opportunities; an opportunity to be President of the “Helping the Hungry” Delaware branch and to be CEO of my online boutique named The Dollhouse by Aria. These passions can now be used as a career pathway when entering college. My new work ethic will also help with keeping my grades up.

Looking back on everything I have learned from 2021, it is apparent that only with a focus on my education were these passions allowed to transform into something more. Knowing this, it is clear to me that there is a link between my college education and finding a career I am passionate about. With this scholarship, I will be able to chip at the financial burden college fees put on my family and will eventually put on me.