My Educational Goals and Future Aspirations Essay Example For Students

My Educational Goals and Future Aspirations Essay With humility and hopefulness, I apply for the Dream Fund Bursary. My name is Kayla Lajeunesse. I am currently in grade 12 attending Frank Hurt Secondary, an inner-city school in the Newton neighbourhood of Surrey, BC. I have an Honour Role standing, and maintain active involvement in my school and community. In everything I do, I feel the need to push beyond my capabilities, to reach above and beyond. Since I first began school, Ive enjoyed it. From kindergarten to grade 7, I attended George S. Vanier Elementary in the Surrey School district. In grade 8, I transitioned into Frank Hurt Secondary, the nearest high school. Over the last five years at Frank Hurt, I have not only enjoyed school, but learned to take it seriously as an opportunity to enrich my future. From Planning 10, I have realized that education is the path to a good life. Your whole future depends on it. I knew immediately that I wanted to pursue post secondary Education. Last year my passion for continuing education was further inspired by my experience in a concurrent studies course at Kwantlen Polytechnic Universitys Surrey Campus. I believe in lifelong learning; I believe if you are not learning, whether it is ËÅ"life learning or formal schooling, you are not living up to your highest potential. I have had many constructive influences that have shaped my enthusiasm for social work. I believe that the role of a social worker can make a difference. Even if it is a small thing, like helping to get dental work, or advocating for the betterment of the child. If you are a social worker you have the privilege to empower strong decision-making that can help enhance a childs life. I want to be a life advisor, a fearless women, and a life-saving person. As I consider where to pursue my post-secondary education I have shared many conversations with people I trust. With confidence, I have decided to work towards a career in social work. After discussing possible options with family, teachers, social workers, youth workers and counselors it became clear that social work aligns with both my values and skills. Intent on making this dream possible, I have already applied to the University of the Fraser Valley. This decision enables me to stay within a short distance from the school, and maintain proximity to family. I value both my time and family, and these considerations are central to my decision. In the future, I want to be a social worker in order to give back, and help kids. Over the last three years, I have had my share of foster parents and social workers that have not had time or resources to meet my needs. I do not want to sound like social workers do not care, I understand that these are many issues within the system that prevent social workers from doing the job right. Because of my experiences, I hope to be the type of social worker that wants to be there; that takes the time to listen; that gets to know the children; and advocates for a system that will benefit everyone in the end. I have seen first hand children that have been exposed to traumatic experiences. Some children have needs that arent being met and this leaves me in heart wrenching pain. To see someone go through such a significant struggle inspires me. I have been there, with nothing: My only wish is to give back what I have been given. Because of my experiences, I will be the type of social worker that wants to be there; that takes the time to listen; that gets to know the children; and advocate for a system that will benefit everyone in the end. My Challenges and Obstacles For the last three years, I have been in the foster care system. Before then, I lived in an abusive home and spent my grade 8 year living out of a car. During this time, my mom would bring me to her friends houses to shower, and once left me at a classmates house for three weeks. Some days I missed school because she could not afford the bus fare to get me there. Essay On Character In Ragtime El DoctorowMore than a motivating form of exercise and art, the team environment of cheer has enriched my understanding of sharing space with others. Understanding how to physically and socially work together is an important part of a successful cheer team. I have been captain of my school cheer team for the past two years and my community cheer team for the last seven. As captain, I model the skills of cheer as a sport and model communication that builds community and respects my teammates. I have noticed that the way that the senior cheerleaders treat the team and sport shapes the development of the juniors. Perhaps my greatest achievement is the strong mentor relationships I share with my foster siblings. I have been a supportive shoulder for my younger foster siblings. I have seen first hand children have needs that are not being met. This leaves me in heart wrenching pain. To see someone go through such a significant struggle inspires me. The children in the care home that I am living in have to fight the temptation each day to conquer their self-limiting beliefs because it is just that, that keep them from achieving their full potential. I take on the role of big sister for them, I care about and for them: I advocate for them. The children of my community are a part of me. Recognizing my strengths as a peer mentor, my current youth worker encouraged me to volunteer at Options Community Centre. It is a place where children can go and connect with youth in a safe and supportive environment. From baking to reading, and conversation to play I developed healthy relationships with the children in the community. My experiences growing up have given me unique insight into how important even the simplest childhood experiences are. I have harnessed my own power to create good things for myself and my community and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to pass them on. Over the last year, I have volunteered in Morgan Heights Crossing, a local seniors residence. One particular resident at Morgan Heights Crossing suffers from dementia. One afternoon, I was lost in a constant struggle solving mathematical problems and this female resident spoke eagerly asking what I was doing, and if there was anyway that she could help take some of the pressure off. She mentioned that she had been a high-school math teacher for many years. She explained how teaching math is something that she has always had a passion for. Helping me work through the problems, I succeeded in finishing my worksheet. To me, it was a struggle, and for her it needed to be fixed. Experiences like this give me hope that I will be able to share my gifts and passions. What began as service I was giving became a lesson I received. Through all my service, I notice my own growth and acknowledge the gifts others have to offer. The diversity of my experiences and successes continue to shape who I am. Along with the experiences I have shared, I have been a peer tutor in the BASES special education class; involved in Cadets, Global Issues Club, Run for Cancer; and as volunteer with EJS School of Fine Arts Musical Theatre. I value all the opportunities I have had to enrich my life and contribute to others. I look forward to continuing to develop my sense of self, recognizing that the successes and achievements I gain are gifts I can share back with my community.