Scholarship Essay Entry – Gerald O.

How I can make a difference!
Our society's foundation does not rely solely on our leaders, but rather, it is built by the goals and dreams we each set forth to accomplish. As an individual, I know that I can make a difference and help improve the lives of those around me. Surely you are thinking "Really? How can you individually make a difference?"

First, let's take a step back and get to know the real me. I was born and raised in the country in St. Paul, Alberta. I have always been an avid outdoorsmen and I strongly value family and friends. One of my lifelong dreams was to further pursue my studies and complete a university degree. This thought was a new experience for both my family and myself, yet they continuously insisted, "You have great potential and can do anything you want and we will support you." This desire of the outdoors and family support to reach my goals led me to my current state, a 4th year Geology student at the University of Alberta.

Society has become dependent on the resources that we extract from our earth. As a Geologist entering the oil and gas industry, I know that I can make a difference in all of our communities. Future demand, dwindling resources and environmental impacts are making resource extraction more and more complicated. The time has come to explore new territory and set forth to develop future innovative visions. I know that I can make our world a better place by using my knowledge and ambitions to help reduce the industries' environmental impacts and discover greener technologies. The easily extracted reserves are diminishing and I am ready to assist in seeking out new resources and discover new methods (less costly, less polluting, etc) to extract the remaining resources.

Receiving the Young and Free Scholarship would be a great achievement. Tuition costs, relocation, food and rent have proven to be large expenditures. Therefore, this scholarship would be of great financial aid in helping to reduce student loans. This would in turn relieve some of the associated financial stresses, enabling me to concentrate on school.

Let's face it; the oil and gas industry affects most people and communities. So whether you are an employee of the industry or just use its products daily (cosmetics, grocery bags, gasoline, etc), you will notice that society is not reducing its demand. But, change is needed! I am ready to explore these new resources and more environmentally conscious technologies to maintain demand while making every community a better place. Now is the time to make the dream of a greener planet, a reality for all to enjoy!