The Commitment to Succeed
“The Los Angeles Lakers rookie from Brigham Young University watches as his jump shot flies through the air and into the hoop, winning the seventh game of the NBA finals.” This was my dream as a young man. I know that not everyone can become a professional basketball player. However, this has not stopped me from doing my best in every endeavor. If something is worth my time and effort it is worth doing it well. If I do everything possible to succeed, I know I will pleased with the results. No matter who we are, we all face challenges that must be overcome. Some people are faced with mental or physical limitations. How a person faces these obstacles defines his character. As a child of a deaf parent, I have seen my father battle this disability while raising seven children to recognize their own individual potential. We have been encouraged to be a participant on athletic teams, to excel in our school work and to be a good example in the community.
My father does not see himself as being any different than anyone else. In fact, I believe this disability has been an advantage in a few ways. My father is very tolerant of others. He has a caring, sensitive nature for the people he meets. I have seen my father be an example of perseverance in the face of a physical adversity. This has helped to strengthen my own character. I do not let the day to day challenges, that might hamper others, upset me from reaching my personal goals.
Success in life must be first a personal commitment. I am focused on building success with my own family, maintaining my spiritual and emotional well-being, and building financial security in a future career. I have watched my father achieve personal success by setting goals and organizing a plan to achieve them. I am also a self-motivated person and have outlined specific goals and have taken the necessary steps to achieve them.
One of my goals was to become an Eagle Scout. This required earning many merit badges and completing a service project for the community. I gave several speeches to service clubs in the area and achieved a goal to raise $25,000. High quality wood benches were purchased, assembled, and installed around our local middle school recreation area. This project strengthened my leadership abilities. I became confident that I could be a leader in other facets of my life. A leadership role was applied in the classroom and I was appointed the captain of my athletic teams.
In addition to my regular schooling, I have enjoyed being involved with several school clubs and community youth groups. Service to others has been the main priority in each club. Being blessed with much, I like to give of my time and effort to increase the happiness of others. The gratification that comes from this service is like no other feeling.
Today, sports play a major role in our entertainment. I desire to be a financial agent and manager for professional athletes. Providing them with qualified financial guidance will enable them to maximize their talents to the fullest. Equally important is the personal and moral influence I desire to give to these athletes. They will be encouraged to give back to the community in acts of service, as many of our youth emulate these sports stars. It is important for these stars to reach out to the youth in a variety of ways, such as to sponsor youth training camps and instruct them to set high personal standards and to keep themselves drug free. My family has been a strong support in every facet of my life. I am thankful that I was blessed with a father that did not sit back and say, “Why me?” Instead, he made the best of his situation and came out on top. I could do no better in my life than to emulate the example set for me by my own father.
I have worked to build a balanced life and prepare myself to reach the pinnacle of success in my college experience and beyond. This scholarship will help me reach my educational goals, and will be most appreciated.
Aaron Millar is to attend Brigham Young University. Aaron has distinguished himself academically, athletically, and socially. He achieved a 4.0 average for four years in high school and graduated first in his class of over 400 seniors. He has participated in numerous after school clubs and activities. He has achieved the honor of being an Eagle Scout. As a volunteer he has contributed his time and energy to helping others. In his spare time, Aaron has been able to work part-time during his high school career.
