Scholarship Plug Essay Corner: Shine This Summer

Summer brings heat waves. thunderstorms, fires and twisters across our nation. People emulate weather by being easily aggravated, impatient, grouchy and hurried. How easy it is to forget the joy of sunshine and activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming, and spending time with family and friends at outdoor cookouts; what is it that makes us overheat and move beyond laughter and kindness? Why are so many in this country intolerant of others, critical of diversity, and inattentive and dismissive of others? I believe we can each in our own ways be of powerful influence in the world, but our mindsets can make all the difference in how successful we can be.

Summer is almost here; why not make the time pleasant and productive? Take quiet time for reflection and daily devotions, seek inner peace in these dark days marred by war and famine and diseases we prefer to think don’t really impact us directly. Also, what a difference eye contact and a nod or smile or a friendly greeting can make. I am uplifted when a smile is returned; when newcomers introduce themselves to me; I don’t have to bring them to my next family reunion but I know we are all connected, each a member of the community, and I believe as poet John Donne once wrote, “Every man’s death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind.”

But summer offers more than a chance to greet passersby, neighbors, and friends. It’s for many students and school personnel a chance to look back on the previous school year and consider what worked and what could be improved. It’s hopefully a chance for family members to exchange chitchat about thoughts outside of the workplace or classroom. Parents, start or continue that dialogue with your children about their strengths and talents and visions for the future. Children, take some precious moments and learn more about your friends and family, and broaden your world.

Of course, I must congratulate all who have finished one phase of training or education, be it obtaining a diploma, a certification, a degree, or that dreaded core class you passed. Celebrate success!

And for those who are not yet graduated from high school, I want to remind you to research career options, school choices, majors or areas in which you have interests or talents. Take practice College Board tests, write some essays on topics you can find online as sample admissions and/or scholarship applications prompts.

Wherever you are in the “Great Race of Life,” remember soon we will be bombarded by back-to-school sales and fall images. Make time count and start your engines so you are ahead of the race when summer ends. But above all, focus on your strengths, stay confident and consistent in endeavors, and keep your heart kind and your mind open.

See you next read! 📖

 ~Dr. Lesley Scharf

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