For DonorsFor Applicants

Bold Meaning of Life Scholarship

Funded by
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
May 29, 2022
Winners Announced
Jun 29, 2022
Education Level
Any

“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another,” -Thomas Merton. 

Like most people, you likely find yourself wondering what the meaning of life is. We all have different ideas about life’s overall purpose, and these ideas often shape our actions and goals.

This scholarship aims to encourage students to consider the meaning of life and how it has impacted their actions.

All students may apply for this scholarship opportunity. To apply, tell us what you think the meaning of life is and how you try to achieve it.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published February 28, 2022
Essay Topic

Please tell us what you think the meaning of life is and how you try to achieve it.

150–300 words

Winning Application

Dori Stone
University of Missouri-ColumbiaLockwood, CA
For me, the meaning of life is to “live fully and love deeply.” Simply to exist and perceive the world with our senses is a gift, and I believe one of life’s main purposes is to receive and relish that gift! Everybody does this a bit differently, but for me, it currently means spending time in nature, dancing, singing, gardening, hanging out with my two-year-old niece, and watching the sunrises and sunsets. Although I’m agnostic about the original source of life on Earth, I do feel certain that I’m on the receiving end of an incredible gift and that even anonymous donors like to know their gift is being enjoyed! Just to savor and appreciate life, in my opinion, is part of its meaning. The other side of this coin, for me, is love. If the world were already in a state of complete harmony and free of suffering, then simply enjoying life would be meaningful enough! But given the pain, loneliness, and unmet needs that abound on the Earth, I cannot imagine a meaningful life that doesn’t contribute to the thriving of others. For me recently, this has taken the form of foster parenting, volunteering at a local prison, studying for a career in the nonprofit sector, trying to make ethical purchases, and helping my own family and neighbors however I can. Not only do such acts of loving compassion give me a sense of purpose, but they also increase my enjoyment of life, as described above! I hope to always use these two guides---how can I live the most fully, and love the most deeply?--- as the yardstick by which to measure all my decisions. I'm confident it will have been a meaningful life if I can look back and say that I truly did both.
Ayla Say
Reed CollegePortland, OR

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 29, 2022. Winners will be announced on Jun 29, 2022.