Scholarship Essay Entry – Kayla G.

Inspiration is by definition an idea or action resulting from stimulation of the mind through unusual activity or creativity. Basic physics has taught that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, therefore my philosophy regarding inspiration is on the basis of leading by motivational example and empowering others to pursue dreams. The world is getting fuller which leads to increasing amounts of challenges, I want to educate and promote awareness.
 
I am a first year student currently studying natural science at the University of Calgary. I’ve always been interested in science, its advancement, and teaching. I believe that ‘two heads are better than one’ and when people work and share their research and knowledge, great accomplishments can be made. Attending university and receiving a degree is a major accomplishment. Throughout school and after the time spent working on the degree is over, it is what one does with what they’ve learnt that is truly inspiring: taking information and sharing or applying it to the world to make it a better place. By taking on a Bachelor of Science degree, I hope to further expand my horizons later on and take a degree in teaching.
 
All throughout my life I have found value in making a personal connection to people I come into contact with, may that be for sixty seconds with a stranger in an elevator or sixty years with a best friend. I have worked in a couple establishments including skating rinks, retail stores, and bars; and the one thing that remains constant throughout any kind of work is the connection to the student, patient, or customer, etc. I believe that that connection is what builds trust and allows inspiration to be passed on one person at a time. If a stranger were to rudely push infront of a group to step onto an elevator, the overall mood is likely negative and the people around perceive one another as insignificant. If that same stranger were to instead maybe help someone on or simply smile and be considerate, the overall mood is likely positive and the people around may turn out to be lifelong friends. Inspiration in the world begins at the simplest gesture, and from there is elevated to all of society. I want to take what I learn and what I already know and apply it in any way possible to people at a personal level to teach and promote awareness.
 
Time is everything, and commitment to what you do is the most important. However unsure of exactly what path my degree is going to lead me down in the future, I believe inspiration is fueled by dreams, hard work, and determination and those are the qualities I possess by which I am inspired to use to make a difference in the world.