Steve Jobs stated, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Those who accomplish great feats are driven by a unique passion for what they do. During my sophomore year of high school, I fell in love with coaching soccer. Playing sports was an integral part of my childhood. I enjoyed exercising in the sun, socializing with friends, and celebrating victories with my team. Unfortunately, as I advanced into a competitive club league, I began to be very hard on myself and set unrealistic goals of perfection which were exacerbated by an overly critical coach. Practice after practice and game after game, I left feeling upset and defeated, even when we won. Because of this flawed mentality, it became increasingly important to have a supportive and positive coach. Throughout my years of soccer, basketball, and swimming, I had coaches who uplifted me and some who tore me down. These experiences motivated me to volunteer as a coach who not only develops the skills of those on the team but also exemplifies positive reinforcement.
Two years ago, I began volunteering as a soccer and basketball coach for young children. Two times a week, I planned out practices and games and worked with a team of children to develop their soccer and basketball skills, teamwork, communication, and cooperation. When I began coaching, I found it discouraging when the children would not listen. Often, young five and six year olds would end up playing in the dirt or picking dandelions. Over time, I learned methods that helped me to be engaging, uplifting, and educational as a coach. I worked to ensure that all of my feedback was positive and uplifting. If a child made a mistake, I would attempt to compliment them for something they did well and then redirect the behavior or action that I had noticed. I observed that this method helps the children feel good about themselves while also understanding that they can improve on certain aspects of their skills. Neuroscience has demonstrated that this type of coaching is more effective and provides ancillary benefits outside of sports.
As a coach, I was able to see firsthand the value of service and volunteering. Although I was only with the children I coached for a short while, I saw them grow in numerous ways. I saw their confidence in themselves grow throughout the season. I felt their love for the sport increase. I witnessed new friendships forming as a result of teamwork and cooperation. I saw shy, timid children become hard-working and confident soccer players.
Coaching these children has helped me discover my love of teaching kids and helping them overcome their obstacles. The skills and passion for teaching I developed during my seasons of coaching have smoothly transferred over to my job as a piano teacher and youth camp counselor. I have noticed that my patience, empathy, leadership, and compassion have grown and become stronger throughout my experience working with children. These experiences that have molded me into the person that I am have also shaped my vision for the future. I see myself helping children for years to come as a mother, social worker, and teacher. No matter what I choose to do, I know the most important thing to me is making a positive and impactful difference in the lives of those I help.
My odyssey in Social Work is a testament to a relentless pursuit of excellence fueled by an insatiable ambition, an unwavering drive, and an unyielding commitment to making a profound impact on the lives of others. At the heart of this journey is my transformative experience as a volunteer at OASIS, a sanctuary for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, where I have evolved from a mere participant to a dynamic force for positive change.
Ambition propels me beyond conventional boundaries. It is not only a desire for personal success; rather, it is a force that compels me to constantly strive for more, to challenge myself, and to reach new heights. This ambition finds its purpose in the pursuit of a degree in Social Work, where every step is guided by the goal to emulate the selfless spirit of the individual commemorated by this scholarship.
The drive within me is a relentless engine that propels me forward, urging me to push beyond the ordinary and make a lasting impact. It is this drive that has shaped my commitment to exceeding the expectations of a future Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My academic journey reflected in a commendable 3.8 GPA, is a deliberate choice to leverage education as a potent catalyst for societal change.
At the heart of my impact is my role at OASIS, where I cease to be just a volunteer at the front desk. Instead, I have become a catalyst for transformation, leveraging every opportunity to develop skills that transcend the traditional boundaries of volunteer work. I have cultivated an ability to empathize deeply with those facing adversity, communicate persuasively to foster a supportive environment and collaborate effectively with diverse groups of individuals. My drive is not confined to routine tasks; it propels me to empower survivors to reclaim control over their lives and navigate their paths toward healing.
Beyond the confines of the classroom, my ambition extends to a commitment to become a driving force in the field of social work. This scholarship serves as a gateway to amplifying my impact and pioneering innovative solutions for the complex challenges faced by individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. It is a recognition of my drive to not only excel academically but to be a trailblazer in creating tangible, positive change.
In essence, my ambition, drive, and impactful actions define me as a candidate uniquely aligned with the core values of this scholarship. I am not content with merely helping; I am determined to lead, inspire, and leave an indelible legacy of positive change. This scholarship is not just a financial investment in my education; it is an investment in a future leader and change-maker committed to making a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Choosing me as a recipient is choosing to invest in the limitless potential of ambition, the unstoppable force of drive, and the enduring power of impactful change. The support from this scholarship could be a major help in my goal to attend graduate school so that I can fulfill my dreams of helping others to the best of my ability.
