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Bold Turnaround Story Scholarship

Funded by
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Bold.org
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Apr 27, 2022
Winners Announced
May 27, 2022
Education Level
Any

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it,” -Helen Keller. 

While obstacles often feel discouraging, they give you a chance to learn, grow, and overcome, ultimately making you a more strong and resilient person.

This scholarship seeks to support students who have overcome difficulties, obstacles, or adversity in their life.

Any student who has turned an obstacle into a positive situation or a learning experience may apply for this scholarship. 

To apply, tell us about a turnaround story in your life that you are proud of.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Graduate School ScholarshipsScholarships for High School JuniorsHigh School ScholarshipsUndergraduate Scholarships
Example Scholarships
Scholarships for College Students
Essay Scholarships
Published January 27, 2022
Essay Topic

What’s a turnaround story from your life that you’re proud of?

150–300 words

Winners and Finalists

Winning Application

Leonardo Cuellar
United High SchoolLaredo, TX
We should always strive for growth regardless of our current situation. Overcoming adversity early in life gives us the strength to deal with life's challenges with a whole different mindset. Early in my life, overcoming adversity was necessary and a matter of life or death. One day at school, the place I was terrified of, the daily bullying dose started, I was in a classroom on the third floor of the school, and the building had tall fences that would "keep" kids from peaking down to the soccer field. I had a weird but sudden reaction, a suicidal attack, I would say, and I just ran to the fence and ripped off a bar for me to fit in between the other bars and jump off the third floor. I still remember feeling the wind in my pants when I was about to jump. The next thing I knew, I got tackled by a girl. My next reaction was to run for the scissors to make a cut in my veins, which she kept me from doing. After that, I was sent home. A day later, it was my first football practice ever. I was set to play O-line. I was running people off, coaches were clapping at me, and my running back was scoring during the whole practice. I have never felt more alive and full of joy than that day. I felt worthy. That feeling suddenly transferred to my personal life too. Coaches, family members, and that one girl who saved me became my mentors. They guided me throughout the process of feeling better and seeing life as an opportunity as I do now. I protected myself from my feelings playing football, and it's safe to say the sport helped me overcome the biggest challenge in my life.
Avary Wathen
Larry A. Ryle High SchoolUnion, KY
In recent years, I have developed a serious and chronic gastrointestinal disorder. I have endured multiple hospital stays, doctors visits, tests, procedures, and bouts of unimaginable pain and embarrassment. In the past year, I have started treatments for lupus, and I recently had a feeding tube placed for nutrition. Through it all, I have learned that we all have struggles—some you see, some you don't. Illness and disability are much like an extra-curricular club you never wanted to join, but you are forced to participate in daily. But we all have a story to tell, and through the hardships, you must find your own story of redemption, growth and purpose. Not too long ago, a nationally-known photographer learned of my story, and invited me to join his team of models. In this time of diversity and inclusion, he chose me not in spite of my disability, or even because of it. He chose me because I have the courage to show authenticity, unafraid to bring my whole self to the project. I know I can bring that same authenticity with me as a freshman in college. There is something powerful about not letting your hardships finish writing your story for you. I know that seeking a major in Marketing will not be easy. But my goal is not to seek a life without struggles. Instead I seek the strength to endure, and the grace to know, that today’s struggles will lead to tomorrow’s successes. It is up to me to press onward, like this illness has taught me.

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FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 27, 2022. Winners will be announced on May 27, 2022.