Senior Leadership Scholarship Essay 32

Hello, my name is Phillipa Carter, and I would like to share why I believe I deserve this scholarship. Before I explain, I want to reflect on my upbringing, which has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. I was born and raised in Kansas City, where I’ve lived my entire life. Growing up, I was a shy child, especially throughout elementary and middle school. However, things took a drastic turn when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. I missed out on my 8th-grade year and my freshman year of high school, which impacted not only my GPA but also my mental health. The isolation caused by the pandemic made it difficult for me to maintain social connections, leading to feelings of depression and a lack of motivation.

My sophomore year was a particularly challenging time. However, by the end of the year, I began to open up, thanks to some incredible friends who helped me regain my confidence and reconnect with others. As I entered my junior year, things began to look up. I joined the football team, and for the first time, I felt like I was thriving in an environment that once seemed foreign to me. I was still on a journey of self-discovery, figuring out the kind of impact I wanted to make in the world. At that time, I imagined a future where I could leave a lasting influence without being remembered for my name, but instead, for the positive changes I created.

Going into my senior year, I had a breakthrough. I met a teacher who helped me expand my network, opening doors to new opportunities and connections. I began to realize just how blessed my life was, with so many people supporting and encouraging me along the way. This year, I chose to participate in eSports instead of football, as I didn’t feel mentally prepared to handle the intense physical demands of the sport. Facing challenges and overcoming them has shown me how much I’ve grown, especially by joining leadership. Through leadership and other activities, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, which has reminded me of the supportive community I have back home.

I’ve also been involved in various charity and community service events, such as Harvester, Trick or Treat So Tots Can Eat, and Bulldozer Day, among others. I plan to continue participating in such initiatives in the future. My goal is to inspire others to be the best version of themselves—kind, strong, and committed to building a community of leaders who not only lead but also empower others to grow and contribute.

I believe that, in order to build up others, we must first work on ourselves. We need to view ourselves through a lens of growth, so we can help others grow as well. This philosophy is something I want to continue promoting, not only in my community but in the world at large. It is my dream to create a future where growth and collaboration are central to our collective success. With the help of this scholarship, I believe I can turn this dream into a reality at an even faster pace.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Phillipa Carter