My Dreams and Ambitions
by Sean Bridges
(Enfield, CT)
Sample College Essay – Dreams and Ambitions
My Dreams and Ambitions
There is an elementary force, existing solely in the mind, which can lie dormant for years or burst forth in grandeur at a young age. This power drives the poor to success, the weak to strength, and the mistreated to paradise. This ultimate might is possessed by every individual on the planet, whether they realize what is within their grasp or not. This concept is a dream. The essential energy of a deeply personal aspiration can provide an outlet for hopelessness, a sedative for pain, or the confidence to accept any challenge. A goal can be simple and short term, such as mustering the courage to ride the tallest roller coaster in a theme park. It can stretch into the seemingly impossible, much like humanities quest to some day tame the heavens. My dream falls somewhere between these boundaries. My ultimate aspiration is simply to write and publish a work of fiction while maintaining a successful career. This ambition is mundane, but it is one of the few things that I can claim to have true passion for.
My dream lies in writing, but I recognize that a dream and a career are not interchangeable. One must have a firm differentiation between the machinations of the world and the phantasmagorical visions of an imagined plane of existence. The discipline and attention to detail that the fields of mathematics and science require draws me towards them as a grounding force, which will remain familiar throughout any number of iterations. This is why I want to go into the field of computer science while working on my passion of fictional writing. It serves as a formulaic yet innovative way to maintain ties to the earth that I am very much a part
A dream is not something that is perfect, however. Every dream contains a sinister murmur at its core. From even the most hopeful of ambitions, an inner infection can spread with time, thought, and experience. The destructive power feeds on insecurity, regret, and doubt. Within any dream, there is the whispering, conspiring notion that an idea can fail. The fear of a dream destroyed is enough to stop many from fulfilling their goals and be content with defeat. With every new idea, every written word, every fresh connection, I feel that same siren’s song of surrender calling to me. The voice of this malevolent imp no longer draws me closer to submission, however. When I get the nagging sense that whatever task I’m on will fail, I manipulate the feeling. The possibility of failure drives me to rethink, reconstruct, and reinvent ideas that I had once thought were set in stone. A dream is powerful, but I have found that drawing solely from visions of success breeds weakness. Success is best built upon a foundation of personal ambition and drawn up with a critical eye for one’s own faults.
Comment from your friendly team at College Financial Aid Advice
Thank you Sean for sharing your My Dreams and Ambitions essay for college. Good luck to you.
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Why Music Is Important to My Life
by Sophia Tays
(Murdock, Nebraska, 68407)
Scholarship Essay Example - Music - As I progress my way through life, I feel as if music becomes more important to me every day. Nothing compares how greatly music impacts people. I can’t imagine myself having a career that doesn’t involve music. I want music to be a part of my life, regardless if I am teaching children how to read music or perform in an orchestra. There are many reasons why music is important to me. All of those reasons define who I am and who I will be in the future.
My first reason why music is important to my life is because I have always been successful with music. Many of my peers succeed at certain sports or even various classes like English or Calculus. Although, I don’t struggle with my other activities and curriculum classes, music has always been “my thing.”
Throughout junior high and middle school, I competed with my friend for first chair in the flute section. I didn’t beat her until eighth grade when my hard work finally paid off. Because of this, I now realize how dedication and persistence can help someone achieve one’s goals. If I never decided to join band and compete for first chair, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to challenge myself and gain the skills and characteristics that would benefit me throughout the rest of my life.
Another reason why music is important to my life is because of the emotions I experience. Nothing is more exhilarating to me than listening or performing a piece of music that has meaning to me. When I have the opportunity to play a piece of music that touches my heart, I experience the saying “This is my Heaven on Earth.” Robert W. Smith told the 2010 All-State band last year, “Do what you love, and love what you do.” I love music, and it’s what I want to do. I want music to always be a part of my life. I honestly can’t imagine myself doing anything else.
Lastly, my most important reason is because music has made my relationship with God closer than ever. I never related music to God until last year, when my aunt asked me why I love music so much. “This is a talent God gave you. Use it for His glory, and not your own.” Ever since she told me that, I always make sure I am playing for God, and not to bring glory to myself.
Because of everything I have gained through music, I am confident I’m going in the right direction with my life. I have finally found my passion and I never want to let go of it. Music helped me gain new skills and will continue to throughout my life. Music gives me a feeling that I will never be able to put into words and it has also brought me closer to God. I have gained all of this because of music.
Comment from your friendly team at College Financial Aid Advice
Thank you Sophia for sharing your passion for music in your scholarship essay example. Best of luck.
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Invocation of the Artist
by Christopher Terry
(Detroit,MI)
NEW YORK KID
Artist Essay - Into my solitude comes,
The sound of divine whispers
That echo the distant forests of Pan.
Forthwith departing as had quickly appeared.
Moonlight kissed the windows and spills over me, reflecting shades of white and grey onto the floorboards. As I lie still in my bed; being nothing but a young boy, I can feel the magic of the night. In my physical solitude I am not alone. A presence moves, slowly pacing. My heart beats rapidly in my chest, echoing through the walls, the windowpane, and my closet. At every sound my eyes move, but my body is stiff and unmovable. After a while, my eyes begin to close as my mind looses focus. All I can hear is stillness, all I can see are faint shadows, all I can feel is peace.
As I descend into sleep, images and symbols flash in my mind. Appearing and disappearing as fast as they came (none of them I can decipher but they seem strangely Egyptian). Falling down this kaleidoscope of pictophilia I stop in a place incased in four metal walls. Everything around me is brisk silver; sharp, streamlined, perfect. Marveling at this unknown simplicity I hear a voice resonate, passionate, hurried and of deep timbre: “Show yourself, reveal yourself to me. Reveal yourself to me, show yourself.”
My body rises into a sky that has replaced the metal room. It is evocation.
It’s not that I’m dishonest,
But I’ll start with this.
I couldn’t tell you everything.
Standing backstage at Carnegie Hall with twelve other students from around the country, I nervously await to go onstage. We receive our cue in what seems like an hour, but actually only seconds pass. Walking single file onto the stage I close my eyes for a moment. I can hear applause roar from a crowd of thousands; permeating throughout the grand theatre. Upon re-opening them I see my mother wiping tears from her cheek in the front row, while my father tries to hold back his. The tears inch towards the surface of his eyelids. I am happy to finally make them proud.
I close my eyes again and feel a ray of light. Happiness is present amidst the pain. Light is present amidst the dark. I know this was pre-destined and it is my purpose to be an artist who expresses himself without apology. An artist that brings love, freedom and pushes the boundaries of what art is.
After the ceremony I retreat back into the night of New York City, with a friend by my side, I feel the magic again. Now I can truly believe.
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Comment from your friendly team at College Financial Aid Advice
Thank you Christopher for sharing your artist essay. Good luck.
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Abiding the Freedom of Speech
by TOREAL HUTCHERSON
(DETROIT, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES)
Sample Scholarship Essay - Journalism
“Lights, camera, action”! Are the words that udder from my little brother’s lips as I forced him to announce Toréal Hutcherson with the 11 o’clock news every night. “Because all that is needed is a pretty face and a polite disposition”, yes this stereotypical viewpoint has become widely promoted. As narrow minded as this belief may seem, I was in the same category. Being drawn in by that alluring image led to research. During extensive examination I was able to appreciate all that went into maintaining a career in journalism. I knew that this field was truly for me. I had numerous questions: Where do I start? What educators shall I chose to mentor me? Can I provide for what is needed in such a diverse world?
Journalism, like the world around us, consists of much more than chasing gossip. It requires the ability to work under pressure and devote long, irregular hours under any weather conditions. For some people, this job could be overwhelming. For those who are self-motivated, have perseverance and a “go get it” attitude, this will give them that extra edge that will enable them to take on these responsibilities and become successful.
My desire is to be able to use my communication skills as a voice for those who are not heard. I want to write for the people who are not given the opportunity to speak out for themselves. I want to ensure that everyone can hear the cries of the disadvantaged.
I want to be the individual who gets down to the truth. My goal is to distinguish fact from fiction and give the public answers. I want to be perceived as reliable and reassuring. My words are powerful, rather written or spoken. I can make a difference.
I find it amazing how a writer with the right word choice and sentence structure coupled with the appropriate amount of persuasion can effect and change the minds of millions! I am not one to make a goal and not try my utmost by making every initiative to see it fulfilled. That’s why I focused towards a college with the same drive; I chose Wayne State University.
On learning of WSU’s journalism program, I was immediately impressed with how the University focuses on a student’s individual needs and prepares them for the real world. I was also in awe of WSU’s extensive list of successful alumni, ranging from the Detroit Free Press like sportswriter Brian Pitts, Jr., to Jeffery McCracken who writes for the Wall Street Journal. This scholarship will help place me one step closer to where I want to be. Whether here in the United States or in the diverse world abroad, one thing I am assuring of in my future endeavors is being a fellow journalism alumnus.
Journalism is one of the cornerstones in the foundation of our First Amendment right, which goes hand in hand with the diversity of our country. Regardless of the topic being discussed; speech, press, religion, or political, an open commentary view must take place for all sides. No opinion should be undermined, whether it’s coming from Barbra Walters or our Favorite Twitter Follower. Our world as we know it is built on that diversity and journalism is what brings it altogether.
Comment from your friendly team at College Financial Aid Advice
Thank you Toreal for your excellent scholarship essay related to your love of journalism. Be sure to check out some of our Creating Writing Scholarships and journalism scholarships. Good luck to you.
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