Scholarship Essay Entry – Erica R.

It seems to be that people, no matter how young or old, all strive to make their name live on. People are mortal, that is a fact that cannot be argued, however everyone strives to make a part of themselves immortal. Some people think it takes money, while others believe in curing a disease. Some people have given up altogether, while others will never concede. However, the sad truth is that no matter what you do in life you will eventually be forgotten.

Now where, you may ask, does this leave us? I explained this to you so you will understand that I am very aware of this. I want you to know that I want to do something for the world, not so my name will live on for all eternity, but so I can make this planet better for all, even for the short time that we are here, and I believe the way to do that is through the environment.

My community is very small, and because of this, there is not much I can do for it with my current occupation in mind. However, I feel that there is something I can do for this province. Perhaps you have heard about the anti-Alberta campaign ads. If you have not, these ads have great potential to reduce tourism in our province, and put a devastating hole in our economy.

If someone were to find a way to make our oil sands cleaner, and more efficient, would that not appease all the people who have something against them? Would they not commend us, and take down all their anti-Alberta paraphernalia?

You see, I’m enrolled in geology at the University of Alberta. My plan is to become an expert in geology and develop a cleaner and more efficient way of extracting the oil in our oil sands based on the knowledge I have received. This will not only help our province in a major way, but, sooner or later, it will affect the oil drilling practices in every country in the world.   

I believe that I can make a difference in the world. A difference to improve the world, not my own well being. I want to help future generations, generations of people and animal, and I believe that this is possible. Thank you for reading and understanding my vision for the future.