Horatio Alger Scholarship Essay Example - Personal Mission Statement

The biographies of the members of the Horatio Alger Association offer you examples of people who have chosen to live their lives based on the principles of hard work, honesty, integrity, perseverance, and service to their community. They have also attained success in a variety of ways within the American free enterprise system. Select and read several biographies of Horatio Alger Association Members. Choose a member and explain how you have applied the virtues exemplified in the member’s life story in your own life. Use real life examples from your own experience.

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain,” says Ms. Angelou. In this powerful statement, perseverance and the ability to work hard are needed in order to change a situation or even your own attitude. A crisis in Africa was introduced to me almost a year ago. I didn’t like the things happening there, such as using children as soldiers, so I wanted to be a part of changing that. With the help of many like-minded people, we set up a benefit concert that rose over $3,000 to help these kids. It was not an easy job and sometimes giving up seemed easier than continuing on. Finding volunteers, making dozens of phone calls, and holding meetings became taxing. I had to keep my attitude in check and remember that my struggles were not the important ones here. Helping these hopeless children was what mattered, and I must push through the rough patches. Complaining wasn’t going to do anyone any good. Changing my attitude helped make the situation easier and therefore, more enjoyable.

Original Source: College Writing 101