How to Earn $70,000 in Scholarships
Hey, it’s Clinton. Welcome to Large Tutoring's blog where we dive into the stories of students achieving their dreams, and share practical advice for success in academics and beyond.
Today, we’re sharing Penelope’s inspiring journey to earning $70,000 in scholarships and pursuing engineering at the University of Calgary. Penelope has been a Large Tutoring student for over 2 years and, through her story, you’ll discover actionable tips on how to make the most of your high school years, the value of extracurricular activities, and how seeking support can make a significant difference.
WHY ENGINEERING?
“I chose to study Engineering because I want to make a positive impact on society,” Penelope explains. “I am currently interested in pursuing Civil or Mechanical Engineering, where I can develop the skills necessary to build sustainable systems and infrastructure. I also want to enter the engineering field because I believe I will be able to combine my creativity with my passion for STEM.”
Penelope’s choice to pursue engineering highlights a vital lesson: aligning your career goals with your passions and values can drive you towards meaningful and fulfilling work. The biggest impacts take extraordinary amounts of energy. You definitely want to prioritize rest and work-life balance, but by choosing a meaningful career for you, you'll be able to go "higher, further, faster" <insert captain marvel meme>
The Role of Extracurricular Activities
Looking back on her high school career, Penelope credits her broad range of extracurricular activities for her success. “Having a broad range of extracurriculars that demonstrated depth and also commitment was important for my award specifically,” she says. “Becoming a well-rounded student isn’t difficult when you are participating in activities that you love to do, like club volleyball, Model UN/Ethics Bowl, STEM camp volunteering, and piano.”
Penelope’s involvement in diverse activities underscores the importance of exploring and committing to what you love. This not only enriches your experience but also enhances your college applications by showcasing your dedication and versatility. It also shows that while there are benefits to specializing in one activity, there is still much to gain to being a well-rounded student with varied interests.
Advice for Current High School Students
Penelope offers practical advice for current high school students: “Take your classes seriously and do not fall behind! I have been the victim of falling behind several times, and each time I have regretted my procrastination because it always ended up hurting me. Also, remember that doing your personal best is enough—try not to compare someone else’s workload to your own.”
This advice emphasizes the importance of consistent effort and self-comparison rather than measuring yourself against others. Staying on top of your work and focusing on your personal best can help you avoid unnecessary stress and setbacks. We often feel the need to be the busiest person in our immediate vacinity. Remember, to get great grades, you also need relaxation and to have fun. We want to make sure you quality experiences on your applications, not just quantity.
The Impact of Tutoring
While Penelope’s journey is a testament to her hard work and dedication, she also acknowledges the significant impact of tutoring on her academic success. “Being part of the Large tutoring community for several years has taught me better learning and studying strategies. At first, I was unsure about getting a tutor because that would mean asking for help, which I didn’t often like to do. With Clinton, it has always been a comfortable space and I have learned to ask for help and to work more collaboratively.”
Her experience highlights an essential lesson: seeking help and utilizing resources like tutoring can provide the support and strategies needed to excel. It’s a reminder that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Even as an adult, having someone knowledgeable in something you're working on, who keeps you accountable, can help you get much vetter results.
Excitement for the future
Penelope is eagerly looking forward to her future at the University of Calgary. “I’m most excited to continue to stay involved in my new community at UofC, hopefully through engineering design teams and clubs. I’m excited to learn about a new city and to have more independence. I’m also (mostly) excited to go to the same school as my sister, who was also tutored by Clinton!”
Her excitement about engaging with the university community and exploring new opportunities is a great example of how embracing new experiences can lead to personal and academic growth. The students who do get involved in their communities (not over involved however!), tend to do better. I love her attitude towards school next year!
