“Chase Your Dreams” Scholarship--Apply Today!

Octaviar · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams,” these simple words spoken by Oprah Winfrey are an inspiration to me. My dream is to prove myself as an established fashion journalist. As an ambitious young black lady I feel empowered to chase my dreams. In order to achieve anything in life it takes hard work and determination. These two qualities I possess by always incorporating them into my everyday life.
I am involved in activities that help me attain important skills to excel in those areas. As an aspiring fashion journalist I have taken fashion and journalism classes, which allow me to strengthen my competence and knowledge in these fields. While attending junior high school I had won several essay contests and have been successful in the many writing tasks I was given. In the community, when different opportunities are available, I take advantage of them and do my best to be successful. I always benefit from these experiences, bringing me one step closer to reaching my dreams. Although there are always going to be downfalls along my journey, I create a positive atmosphere and for that optimism I thank my great-grandmother.
When my great-grandmother passed away on May 29th, 2007 it was a difficult time for me. I overcame my sorrow not by looking at the past, but looking towards a brighter future. My great-grandmother always wanted the best for me. Sometimes I want to give up and quit, but I remember what she told me, “You must do what you need to do for you.” When I am down, I remember these words and other influential things she has said to me, and I know she would be proud of me for striving to achieve my goals with a positive attitude. She was a voice of inspiration, wisdom, and understanding. I would listen and take in everything she said and I still value her advice. Her strength to overcome struggles and hardships in her life is the same strength that keeps me going each day. I know I have a strong desire and a purpose in life and I’m going to work until it is my time to shine. I am certain that my dedication and passion to becoming a fashion journalist will be recognized one day and I will be living the life of my dreams.

buddhababy6 · Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

To some people following their dreams means following the money, like the business man that’s not interested in the thrill of negotiation, the athlete without the love of the game or the actress who doesn’t believe that the show most go on. To these people everything comes down to the bottom line and what they can get when they’re standing on it. There is nothing wrong with that and to be honest every month when I am struggling to pay my bills I wish that I looked at world the same way. But I can’t plan my life on feelings that come alone 12 days out of a year when the other 353 have me looking forward to a career that has many rewards but money is not one of them.
I won’t say that past struggles to pay for college were a hardship because in the end I truly believe they were a blessing that gave me time to find what is best for me. Now that I have my goals set I can’t wait to go out and learn all there is available. At Carroll College I will study for a B.A. in Animal Behavior which I plan to follow up with an A.A in Exotic Animal Training from Moorpark College the Teaching Zoo of America and I would love to attend Friends University for a M.A in Zoo Science. I know working with animals means always looking for more information and attending more schools and I can’t wait to start.
I started volunteering at the Wisconsin Humane Society to get experience in wildlife handling, WHS has the largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Wisconsin. At WHS I help with cage cleanings, feedings, getting the animals exercise, reading the rehabilitation charts and administering medications and deal with mostly birds, squirrels, opposes, and raccoons. Because these are local wildlife and not exotics I also volunteer at the Milwaukee Zoo where I get the chance to work with the public. I volunteer as a guild and love to share any knowledge I have with visitors. I wish to specialize in herpetology which is the study of reptiles so I jumped at the chance to go to Snake Day at the Milwaukee Museum, where I was able to handle different species of snakes and learn about the process of breeding and caring for snakes from the top breeders in the Mid West.

LaTasha · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

The Dream
Many great leaders throughout the history had many dreams and visions that they chase to improve situations that they view as inappropriate. Fortunately, most if the dreams that were begin chase eventually became the reality that better shaped the nation as a whole.
Therefore, the dream that I am chasing will ultimate becomes my reality. My dream is to one day to be one of the few African American females to make a name for I in the male dominate field of Sports Management. As a sophomore, I am majoring in the Sport Management with a minor in Business at East Carolina University. However I am supposed to graduate with the class of 2010, but I have gone beyond my call of duty as a student to engage in summer school and max out my hours which has given me a chance to graduate even earlier. Therefore when I graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Human Performance, I plan in further my educating by attending graduate school to earn a degree in Sports Administration. So with this degree, I plan to work with a professional team in football or basketball as Executive in the Marketing field and from there work my way up to the top to eventually become Manager of a team.
So when I am not in the classroom, I am engaging in many different activities that occur on and off campus. Being a student, I do not receive enough financial aid to cover the expensive to go to college. Therefore, I have a job that I work between nine to fifteen hours a week to make ends meet. Even though this job is important to me, I like to engage in activities that have a purpose and meaning or just giving back to the community. I have been involved in program that allows me to teach adults how to read so that they can better themselves in the world. I also volunteer at the Greenville Food Bank that allows me to pack food for needed families throughout the East Carolina region. Finally, my major accomplishment is being an officer in the Relay for Life in the Entertainment Division of this year program.

plaffiton · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

Chasing My Dreams

Being the oldest of seven siblings I learned at a young age about selflessness and responsibility. Growing up in a large family with great financial need, I was never introduced to goals or concepts of higher education. Rather, my parents had other expectations for me, those that involved working and caring for my younger siblings and nothing to do with education.
My parents emigrated from Mexico and seeing that it was really hard for them to provide for us, my little brother and I got a job pulling up weeds twice a week. My brother and I were happy to contribute. Instead of rice and milk; we made enough money for a pound of ground beef.
For a very long time, I occupied my days playing mother by primary providing for my siblings and personal translator for my parents. I felt I was robbed of my childhood due to the high expectations.
When my parents became US residents, we moved to San Diego.
Coming to San Diego made me realize I had the right to have goals and succeed by bettering myself. After graduating from high school, I continued to work full time to help my family and I started to attend Southwestern College. I wanted to become a teacher and make a difference.
After working at a fast food restaurant for nine years, I decided to get a job where I could help disadvantage people improve their lives. I started working for Episcopal Community Services, an organization that helps disabled and low income families. I gained great knowledge on how to empower parents to educate themselves and their children. I am currently working for an organization called, SDSU Choice Program. Choice has given me the opportunity to teach parents about the importance of parenting. I also work for MAXIMUS, a for-profit organization, designed to help people on welfare be self-sufficient.
For years, I had lived being ignorant of the vast opportunities college had to offer.

The pressures of life always seemed to pull me in a different direction. Nevertheless, I

know I have the right and responsibility to succeed. I own my goals and my life, and I

owe it to myself to chase my dreams and fulfill my goals. With the help of this

Scholarship, I will continue with my college education and make a difference in my life.

danniellegivens · Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Tallahassee,Florida

I would love to tell you about the hardships of my life, but I can't. I would love to give you a tragic story, but unfortunately I don't have one. Like any other child on this planet, there have been times I wanted to give up on my life. God has given me many challenges and with great determination, I began to hunt down my dream...my soul.

June 3, 2000 was the day my mother died. With my birthday being only five days before, my mom never saw the day her youngest daughter turned ten. This would be the day that my dad's whole world would change. The reason the world only changed for my dad is this: he was always there to keep my world spinning. Of course there were events that I endured from my mom's death, but I managed to survive.

That's what chasing my dream all is about. I have defeated many demons and conquered most of my fears with endurance alone. I have the endurance to continue in the race, despite the color of my skin. I continue to race even when my HEART tells me "I can't go on". If losing my hair puts me in the heaven on earth I've longed for, then I will embrace baldness as my brother.

After many years of persecution from my own people, I have risen from the ashes of "low self-esteem" and found my place in the world. Since the day I reclaimed my life, I have been in the pursuit to take over the world. My vision is to be the leading African American in the Hospitality Industry. For three years I have been a slave to the kitchen, loving every minute of it. There is not one culinary event that goes on at Lincoln High school without my presence in the room.
I have gone to become a leader in Spanish club (three years), Key club (three years) the president of Pearl of Perfection for two years and much more. The transition was completed. Overnight I became the Step master of the step team and Homecoming Queen. Becoming the Queen of my school was a dream. The competition was a battle and there was no chance of me winning. The only difference between me and the other competitors was "a dream". Since my freshman year in high school I would only tell people my last name when introducing ourselves. By the end of my freshman year the fact that I wanted to become the Homecoming Queen was known. I received a lot of criticism about the idea, but I pressed on. By my senior year I had it all planed out. I used my time with culinary arts to work to my advantage.

Through the wonderful gift of hospitality, every football player who ever ate a meal from the culinary arts program knew my name. I campaigned two months before anyone could be nominated. Despite popularity, or lack thereof, I am the 2007 Home Coming Queen of Lincoln High School.

Why should life be otherwise? I can't enjoy life unless I have earned it. This is what I'm doing. I'm chasing a dream, one day at a time.
_________________
Dannielle from Tallahassee

Kchisolm07 · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

I Chase my Dreams to pave the way for others.

At the age of 23, I now understand the meaning of progress. Progress isn't solely for your benefit but, also for the benefit of others.

I began serving as a liaison and connecting others at the age of 17. Six years later I observe the fruit of my labor and am appreciative of the value it has added to others lives.

At a Glance:

I have connected Music Artists with Producers to create portfolios of well produced music, Aspiring Record Executives with Aspiring Artists to create a jump started music career, and a Graphic Designer with Party Promoters to create 100+ well promoted events.

I have watched businesses flourish, talents evolve and so much more. Often, I think what would happen if I channeled my focus to produce specific results. Perhaps a college graduate, a few successful fashion designers, and about 23 leaders. This would be wonderful and great for our world.

I Kee Chisolm am extremely ambitious, an excellent leader in traning and chasing my dreams even while I'm asleep.

Here's how I chase my dreams:

Poised to return to school in January 2008 and complete my Associates Degree in Business Administration.

Alumni of The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship in which I serve as a panelist to inspire young entrepreneurs.

Volunteer for two community organizations: Life Camp Inc. and Dress for Success.

Awards: Dean's List 3.675 GPA Spring 2005 Semester

I work this hard to help and lead others to success.

That others can live and achieve through my positive example.

Greatly Appreciative,

Kee Chisolm
_________________
Best Foot Forward!

Prophet00 · Joined: 10 Nov 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Chicago

Can you imagine the feeling of attention when a patients’ life is in jeopardy, and it’s your duty as a physician to give them the proper care but there’s a thin line between life and death due to the actions you take in order to save their life but you still take the risk. Now imagine that idea as an option into your career choice trying to save someone’s life but possibly can cause them death. That’s the life of a physician and also my dream career. I always knew that I wanted to be some kind health care provider but it wasn’t until recently that I chose physician. I’m so fascinated by the human body, advance medical technology that make many medical issues or procedures easier to deal with, and many other discoveries made by our founding fathers of medicine. The dedication and oath to human and other species live is courage in my eyes, to make a contribution to the world’s trouble, and that’s why I want to devote myself on becoming a physician. With that courage I want to go back home to Africa and be a care provider to my brethrens. I was raised in Dakar, Senegal located in west of Africa and every time I used to go to the hospital I remember seeing people standing in line trying to see the doctor, or get medicine but either they are too poor to get help, or far too sick for the doctors ability to help them I sympathize them, I soon realize that sympathy wasn’t enough. I started thinking of ways I can help and as kid not much of my ability can help. “We cannot seek success for ourselves and forget progress for our community” Cesar Chavez- Activist

The challenge that contributed to my ambition is the personal lost that I face, funeral after funeral with family members. Senegal is facing hardship with tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, vaccinations, child death, and etc. Statistic shows that one third children before the age of five come in contact with one of these diseases and at high risk of death.In addition to the disease, it’s the unavailability treatments and cures to the publics. The public alone is very poor and the government is not that much help with lack of health care aid, children and women are in danger so imagine our future? We can't save everyone, and there are organizations, other agencies from other countries but it isn't enough. A big resolution is needed for our problem, more powerful support from the government. Although I can't solve all of the problems I can be part of the solution.

As a high school student I’ve joined clubs, medical programs, and attended expos that all pertain to health. Public Health Club- In this organization we studied epidemic disease to aware communities about the roots, hazards, and safety guidelines with the diseases we postures spread throughout communities, Medical Explorer is a program that exposes minorities to health careers and professional Career Development with community services, college workshop, and internship, and during my junior I attended the 21st "Annual Symposium on Career Opportunities in Biomedical Sciences and Health Profession" I met college undergraduate advisor's, medical professions, and scholarships agencies. I’ve aggressively participated in these programs to get preparations and acquire skills that benefit me in school and toward my career. My dream is only getting stronger because hope is my triumph.

gaberuiseco · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

For so many years I’ve always lived my life to the utmost. James Dean said: “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” I remember being young and thinking how much I wanted to live my life under that ideology, make it my own personal anthem.

My parents did their best so that I could become a productive man. I went to good schools, always moving from Tijuana to San Diego, obtaining the best out of Mexico and the United States, and learning English and Spanish at a young age.

Despite my parents’ intentions, I managed to do what I like. Being a rebel as a teenager was pleasant. I didn’t take my school seriously; I studied only because my pride couldn’t afford humiliation. I enjoyed my time playing soccer for all my schools and I was good. It was always soccer, friends, electronic games, computers, and then school. After all, we only live once, and it felt so right doing what I always liked.

During summer 2006 I made one of my dreams come true by traveling to Europe for a month during the Soccer World Cup. It was expensive and I had to use all of my credit cards which I still owed. But once again I followed my heart and used the savings I had for a car. I have no regrets because this experience opened my horizons.

After falling into academic probation in college, I started to take school seriously. Years were passing by, and I wanted to become someone in life. I’m an inspired Biology student seeking a medical career. I enjoy this major, it is hard, but interesting. I’m proud to say that I have a GPA close to 3.0. I’m also currently active in my community serving in AmeriCorps (non-profit program) with a total of 600 hours. I’m a MESA (Mathematic, Engineering and Science, Achievement) Program student, a Bridges to the Future Program (SDSU internship) student, and officially transferring to California State University at Long Beach (CSULB) next semester. And in the summer or fall I will study abroad in Spain/Italy.

I’m still living my life to the fullest, and doing what I enjoy the most with passion, only at a mature level. I’m still searching and following my dreams, only this time I’m doing it wisely.

mighty5 · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

Chase Your Dreams

In college I will pursue a dual Bachelors degree in Communication and Public Administration with minors in Journalism and Spanish geared towards the operation and management of a non-profit organization.

My main goal is to establish a community youth program for inner city teens. The program will be designed to inspire higher education, good citizenship, instill community involvement, and better health choices. Healthy tools will be established in the areas of saying no to smoking, alcohol drinking, drugs, and pre-martial sex.

I am pursuing the creation of a community based youth program because while growing up in the inner-city I experienced first hand the devastation and pain of poverty. This is why I have written a weekly column, for the past two years, in the Grand Rapids Times Newspaper entitled “Teen Talk”. “Teen Talk” reaches over 200,000 readers weekly, I present the voices of teens and the adversities that they face in the urban cities of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Muskegon, Michigan. I write about these issues to create an open dialogue between parents, educators, youth leaders, social workers, healthcare professionals, and teens in attempts of eliminating barriers between generations.

Obtaining this degree will give me the necessary knowledge and skills to make a difference in my community. I will seek to obtain various government grants and charitable contributions that will financially support my youth program. Children in my neighborhood need a leader that will inspire them to turn their dreams into reality. I know that I am that person.

My dreams of higher education may have ended three years ago; when I was severely beaten by a gang of eight thugs. I suffered severe depression, having no will to live and not wanting to continue on in school. I am no longer that same person; through Jesus Christ, I have found a foundation. I also have a passion in writing to help others; I now have goals and a vision for my future. I know now that I have a means creatively and diplomatically to direct my anger and frustration into society with a sincere concern for my community. “When your character is built on spiritual and moral foundation, your contagious way of life will influence millions” the words of my mentor Dr. Martin Luther King. My objective is not only to chase my dreams but to influence the dreams of others.

mighty5

LOswalt · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

Every person has a dream, but dreams can only become a reality if they are followed. Most people who succeed in chasing their dreams are determined, excellent leaders. However, hardships in life or family can make reaching a dream more difficult. These hardships are where we get our determination to succeed. Fighting through difficulties in life is like climbing over challenging mountains on a long, hard journey. Sometimes the mountain that seems so tall is only a grain of sand compared to the mountain on the other side.

I have always been a "Daddy's girl" and always will be. Softball was our favorite sport. Dad was my coach from the second grade until the eighth. He was my number one fan, never missing a single ballgame -- even if it meant travelling all over the state to watch his girl play. He never missed my cheerleading competitions, either. I could not ask God for a better father. He always taught me to chase my dreams no matter what -- to never give up. Dad dreamed of coming to watch me play college softball after high school. No matter what I decided to be when I grew up, he supported my wishes and dreams. The little girl who grew up playing ball with daddy in front of the old chicken pen will be 18 in less than a month.

My father passed away Thursday July 19, 2007, from congestive heart failure. I remember asking when I was younger what heart murmur meant because he was born with one. He always told me he had a hole in his heart. When I asked him, "Does it not hurt, Daddy?" he simply replied, "No -- my heart just doesn't beat normally like yours does. I can still do what every other person can do." Every day since that awful Thursday morning has been a struggle for my family. My mother had her 36th birthday on September 21, and it was hard watching her not celebrate because this was her first birthday without Dad in 18 years. My little brother Ryder is 21 months old, and my sister Katie is a 7th grade cheerleader. Losing Daddy two weeks before my senior year and softball season started made me think God completely turned his back on me and my family. I hated the entire world.

After three months of tears, I finally realized that God must have needed my daddy more than I do. Everything happens for a reason, even though I do not always want to believe it. I know this sudden disaster should not stand in the way of my dreams, and I know what I need to do to be successful. Determination is my biggest driving force. I must stay determined to chase my dreams!

marie · Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

Hello Shayla Price, this is Nicole Cummings, and I am concerned with why my essay is not on here anymore. I replied to the "Chase Your Dream" scholarship and I cant find it anywhere on here. why is that?