Determination Anonymous

Sophomore year I tried out for my school’s track team. I made the team but never placed high enough in the competitions to earn a varsity letter. I was very disappointed in myself and worked hard in the off-season to change that. I ate healthier, ran in my free time, and went to the local YMCA to work out. By the time my junior season started I placed first in my event and earned my varsity letter. I was ecstatic. My hard work and dedication finally paid off. This proved to me that if I made goals and proceeded with the necessary preparations to achieve them anything was possible.

I think that the University Honors program will provide me with a similar challenge. I am very competitive, and being surrounded by students with a likewise mentality would challenge me to do better. I do not enjoy coming in second, whether it’s in a sporting event or a B on a test. I strive to do my best in everything I do. I think the Honors program will better my education and place me with classmates of the same mental caliber with which to challenge myself.

Junior year my teacher assigned a massive project due in nine weeks. It was to design a detailed picture by graphing hundreds of equations on a plot. Some of my classmates and I decided to...