Being a Scholar
When you first think about the word scholar, you have a distorted view of the meaning of the word. People often think that the word scholar means a pompous person with money that likes to refer themselves as scholars because he or she has had all the advantages of life. Other times, the word scholar refers to an individual you believe is not yet socially responsive. There are a lot of interpretations but only few really know the meaning of what a scholar is, what they do and what they can be. At first, I did not know either, but after hearing words of wisdom from people who have been in our shoes, I do now.
A scholar is a person who excels at school but not without struggle. A person willing to fight for all they desire. It is not just about the academics either. Scholars are those of us who go beyond our comfort zones and seek out resources and solutions that others would never try to find. You cannot be known and appreciated as a scholar if you chose to hide behind barriers that can easily be erased. Scholars do not just think about what they have to accomplish; they follow through. They know all the rules about time management and choose to follow them.
Knowing their limits and having discipline is an important part of being a scholar. The meaning of the word discipline is, having the power to master difficulties as well as having the power to understand that they have important choices that come first (i.e, studying after class instead of socializing with friends or doing things that you do not like). Discipline is about more than challenging yourself to strive for greatness through academics. It also implies learning more about yourself and finding a good balance or support system. You want to be able to know your limits and understand them.
When you put your mind to something, greatness can be achieved and success can happen. If a scholar applies what they know about staying ahead, they can become anything they choose to become. Professions in medicine or law can be a path that a scholar can become because of their perseverance and the helpful tools they apply to their college, graduate, etc. careers. In this strive, you learn more about yourself and you become more efficient. You do not over commit nor under commit because the tools used helped you recognize what is important and what can be put off.
Personally, being a part of the scholar’s group has been helpful in so many ways. During our sessions we learn and develop skills that we did not apply or know in high school. The last session I had the opportunity to be a part of was useful and all together impactful because it gave me a chance to fully grasp that success not only happens with individual achievements but also with a network full of resources. Scholars are not people who work with no play or work only for the benefit of seeing people impressed. They are people who know the difficulties yet throw themselves into something they used to find extreme. They know what they can accomplish if they have the willpower.
Balance. Discipline. Goals. It’s really that easy.