Scholarship / I hopefully graduate suma cum laude in Cinematography [5]

Explain why (in 100 words or more) you feel you merit consideration as an applicant for an award or scholarship.
-you may wish to include educational goals, and any unusual circumstances (financial, personal, etc.)
-Supply information that my be of assistance in considering your application.

My mother always said, "A college degree is one of the most valuable offerings this country can give," and I have grown up with the notion that I would one day attend college and earn a degree. Now, having been accepted to the University of Florida, my dreams of attaining this goal are closer to becoming a reality.

At college, I plan to major in Cinematography and hopefully graduate suma cum laude. I know this will be difficult, but I believe my perseverance and devotion to this field will help me triumph. College will also be a time where my two most profound interests can expand; there are two things in this world that I would love doing for the rest of my life.

I am a movie aficionado. The idea of presenting a story through a screen intrigues me, and I enjoy the two hours or so of entering a place I never thought I would end up in. I have seen the slums of Mumbai, heard the wisdom from Benjamin Button, fought the battles with Rocky, and saw true love in Titanic. All these films have touched me because I saw the soul in these characters and felt present during their experiences; like I could achieve the greatness they have accomplished. Every great movie touches people and gives them a glimpse of unknown perspectives. This is why I someday want to make movies.

Apart from films, I have developed a keenness for helping others. My friends always ask me for advice and I truly enjoyed hearing their problems and offering my best knowledge. I especially like motivating people, particularly when they have lost hope in themselves and are going through hardships. Once I dispense my best advice and see the newfound drive in their eyes, a feeling of satisfaction takes over me. My involvement in volunteering has been what has watered the roots of my liking to help and motivate others.

Through National Honor Society, I enjoy tutoring. It is rousing to see the "light bulb," when they finally grasped the material. Helping them through the difficult stage of defeat and getting them back on track, is very fulfilling. The persistence of my efforts pays off when they are fully able to understand the subject. I like being there for people who really need support and being the person they can lean on.So my two devotions are making movies and helping others, and it took me a while to discover how to combine them, but I figured it out.

I want to make films that inspire people. That when they come out of the theater they will see life from a different angle and appreciate what they have more. Or perhaps a movie that depicts the overcoming of obstacles and provides the motivation to battle your own. Or a movie that teaches society about people, and in the process, about themselves. Movies that evoke thought and open minds are truly inspiring, and they are the ones that I wish to make during my lifetime. This career could only be made possible with a college education and degree.

My only setback is that my financial situation could hinder my chances of making this career ambition an actuality. My parents have to provide for two college students, my brother and I; and now that my mother's store went out of business, our household is running on a single income. I remember the strain my brother's first year put on my parents, and it is hard to imagine how much more difficult it will be with me in the picture. My parents have worked extremely hard to provide the best life they could give me and I want to make them proud by receiving a college degree. This scholarship opportunity could make a significant difference in my life and I would be extremely appreciative. I hope to be a valid and worthy candidate of your scholarship recognition.

I ended up changing this entire essay. It's 571 words but I really want to make it into 500 words. Any suggestions?

Scholarship / "Education is an admirable thing" - Scholarship Essay [3]

Explain why (in 100 words or more) you feel you merit consideration as an applicant for an award or scholarship.
-you may wish to include educational goals, and any unusual circumstances (financial, personal, etc.)
-Supply information that my be of assitance in considering your application.

Oscar Wilde once wrote, "Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught." Throughout my eighteen years, I have discovered his wisdom to be extremely true. Education is the expansion of the human mind, but the knowledge I have acquired beyond the books has been of much more value to me. Nowhere in my textbooks was there a chapter on perseverance or passion, and yet it is with these traits that I have been able to overcome many obstacles that have presented themselves in my life.

With perseverance and passion, I was able to accomplish the goals I thought to be too difficult. My freshman year of high school I dreamed about being on the Gulf Coast High School soccer team, however, my skill level was not up to par with that of the team. I worked hard, attending all the conditionings and practicing on my own time. Words cannot describe what I felt when I saw my name on the final cut list. My drive to persevere was not something I learned in a classroom, but it has given me the determination to surpass my life challenges.

My latest achievement is having been accepted to my first choice school, the University of Florida. Not having had very rigorous schedules my first few years of high school, I thought my chances of getting in were slim. I was determined to give this newfound goal 150% effort and would not surrender it until the end. I worked on my extracurriculars, volunteer services, and of course my school work, taking several Honors and AP classes. Although there were many times when I felt overwhelmed by working so hard, I knew I could not admit defeat before reaching my goal. My passion for this goal and my perseverance suppressed my oftentimes tired-out thoughts. The pain of discipline was tough, at times, but it was more welcoming than the pain of regret I knew I would feel if I had not given it my all.

When asked why I merit consideration for this scholarship, my answer is simple. I will persevere above all the exigent situations college will undoubtedly bring, and I will come out triumphant. All the work I put into my high school career was well worth it, and I will work that much more and push my limits even further in college.

After graduating from college, my career plan is to focus on filmmaking. Ever since I was young, the arts have intrigued me, and now the idea of presenting a story on a screen fascinates me. Having always been a movie aficionado, I began forming a keen interest in many films, frequently analyzing them. I tried to discover the underlying message by the subtle detail that a movie contained. Why did they use that camera angle? Did they mean to use that lighting? Why did the mood change all of a sudden? I love how these tiny details can make a huge difference in how a message is conveyed and how successful a movie is. From screen writing to lighting to editing, I love all the parts that constitute the making of a movie.

Referencing back to Mr. Wild, my most useful traits, perseverance and passion were not taught in a classroom. This scholarship opportunity would greatly help my parent and me during this time of economic crisis. I hope to be a valid and worthy candidate for your scholarship recognition.