My Future In College by Gerardo

My Future In College by Gerardo - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

This fall, I plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in applied math at the University of California, San Diego. My long-term goal is to continue my education and build a foundation for a career in the STEM field. This year, I aspire to perform well in my studies while also maintaining my passion for these academic subjects. Outside of academics, I also aspire to develop my communication and time management skills to help me be successful in the future. I want to meet new people, create new and memorable experiences, all while adjusting to a new environment.
For many, including myself, the transition from high school to college can be extremely stressful. As a freshman, we have to balance academics and adjust to a new environment while also becoming completely independent. Thankfully, my community is helping me get through this time in my life, allowing me to focus on my aspirations for the upcoming year.
A lot of my motivation for the upcoming year is from my family and all the support they have given me throughout my life. They have been the reason why I want to continue my education. My grandparents made the valley their home after immigrating with their three children from Mexico. They had to navigate the American immigration system to become citizens. My grandparents and parents worked extremely hard for me to have the opportunities they didn’t have at my age. They’ve provided a supportive community that has inspired me to work towards my dreams and allowed me to pursue a higher education.
Other members of my community have also given me the motivation for the upcoming year. For example, I was a part of the Student Mentoring and Resource Training Program, a school-district-sponsored program that mentors students through the college and scholarship application process. The mentors in the program have been helpful, providing information about their college experience while also discussing various colleges. I have also been able to discuss with my peers in the program, allowing me to relate to others going through the same life changes. This support has made the application process a lot simpler. These resources are invaluable, especially as a child of immigrants whose parents didn’t immediately have the opportunity to go to college right after high school. The people from my community have given their time, knowledge, and resources to make my transition from high school to college less stressful so I can focus more on my goals.
My teachers have also given me the motivation to reach my goals in college. In middle school, math was something I struggled with, but that changed when I went to high school. My teachers sparked my interest in studying math in college. My 10th-grade math teacher, Mrs. Beyronneau, in particular, had a clear passion for the subject and made math significantly easier to understand with her explanations and encouragement. What was once a subject I found difficult became a subject that I find of great interest because of the encouragement.
I want to continue to work towards my goals in college and throughout my entire life. I will always be motivated by the people who have encouraged me and given me opportunities to reach my goals.