Scholarship Essay Entry – Monika O.

A second year Biological Science student at the University of Alberta, it has become apparent to me how many individuals in our community have dared to dream. However, I struggle to find individuals who actually see their dreams to fruition or live with the idea that dreaming big has the ability to yield great things. How is it that we as a global community have put a cap on our potential? How have we fostered an environment where our youth feels limited as to what they can achieve?

Through my volunteer work in Edmonton and other areas of the world I hope to inspire youth to dare to dream and encourage them to pursue a life dedicated to finding a path which can bridge the distance between their dream and reality. I believe my appetite for life in conjunction with my volunteer service can ultimately articulate a message to the community about striving to achieve boundless possibilities.

My experience volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Dance Experience Edmonton, Study Buddy Ottewell and most recently my endeavors in India have afforded me the opportunity to learn from youth facing a variety of obstacles. Whether it was a terminal diagnosis, an inability to pick-up choreography, a learning disability or even a life of poverty these children were able to overcome their circumstances knowing that I believed it was possible.

As I pursue my educational goals, I hope to reinforce my ties to the community by reaching out to High School students intimated by Post-Secondary Education. Through my involvement with the University Orientation Program and my mentoring position with Cybermentor, I hope to inspire future University students, to vehemently avoid anything less that what they dream they are capable of.

It is my hope that my continued dedication to volunteerism has helped mould flexible minds, open to differing perspectives and able to imagine that when it comes to achievement, boundaries cease to exist.

I now dare to dream, that with the seeds of inspiration planted in our citizen’s minds, we can come together to demand excellence for our global community. Whether it be combating global warming, economic recession or even crime and poverty, I believe it is possible because I believe as a motivated nation we have unlimited capabilities.

After all, it is probable that those in the past who have accomplished most, began as individuals who dared to dream big. It was not with their inherent talent, but rather with their unrelenting discipline and hope, that their dreams ultimately came to fulfillment. I hope to see our community fracture its mentality that potential is limited, and remedy it with one open to opportunity, challenge and to the idea that sometimes with a little encouragement that one’s most daring dream is possible.