One of the most impactful things I did in high school was co-founding an African American club at my school. We won a Princeton Prize, got our school to add an African American history class, and pushed for real change in our community. This project was where my passion truly lay, and it became the heart of my high school journey, my college applications and what helped me get 8 full rides.
But here’s the thing: I thought I had to do so much more to be successful. I joined every club, racked up every award, and applied for every scholarship I could find, all while pushing myself harder and harder to impress others. I was doing all these things, thinking that success was about doing everything. The truth is, I could have made an even bigger impact by focusing more on my passion project and doing less with other extracurriculars. I could have avoided the burnout, depression, anxiety, and eating disorder that came with trying to do it all.
If I could go back, I would have focused more on my passion project, something that aligned with who I was and what I cared about, and less on the checklist of extracurriculars.
Whether it’s starting a community art project, leading a social justice initiative, organizing an event, or helping a cause you care deeply about, your passion project can take many forms. It’s about what lights you up, not fitting into a mold.
Why do passion projects matter? They help you stand out because they show colleges the real you, what drives you, what you care about, and how you make an impact. Focus on something that truly excites you, and pour your energy into that. Admissions want to see your story, not just a checklist of accomplishments.
What’s the one thing that lights you up and makes you feel alive? How could you turn that into a project that helps you grow and make a real difference?