I was born in Sinaloa, Mexico. Characterized by drug cartels and violence, my hometown was not a viable option for a successful education. My family and I immigrated to the United States when I was three years old. I entered school shortly after my arrival and was placed in low academic classes. However, I learned English quickly and managed to be put in honors classes in a matter of months. Growing up, I did not realize the disadvantages that being an immigrant creates. I entered high school with a dream, to be the first person in my family to attend a university. Because of my legal status, I realized that there are obstacles getting in the way of my college dream; I cannot participate in certain academic programs, nor do I have access to college advising. I am excluded from most scholarships that are offered making paying for college challenging. These obstacles have really tied me down making the path to college seem almost unattainable.
Your perception of what is significant will serve as the primary motivation for your actions. As Americans, we relish diversity. We cherish our differences, we even celebrate them. This idea of unification through diversity is embedded into our minds at a young, impressionable age when we recite “one nation under God”, with our hands over our hearts. Yet when asked the simple question of: “what is distinctively important to you and your life?”, many of us struggle to piece together a coherent answer. Once an individual is able to identify the element they perceive to be significant, they will be able to pinpoint exactly what they want out of life. Their goals, ambitions and perceptions will no longer appear to be unclear ideas that are too far out of reach to understand.
Going back to school has always been on my mind but never a priority. I allowed other life distractions to interfere. After what seems like years of trying to find my identity and motivation, I have finally decided to go back to school to better not only my life but my daughter’s as well. Being a single mother of one, I want my daughter to see that not only your skill set, but a college degree is a great way to start your career and meet the expectations you set for yourself. The expectations I have for myself are finishing my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and eventually finishing with my MBA in Human Resources. I enjoy helping people reach their full potential and push beyond their limits. Seeing myself succeed and others, inspires
College is an invaluable key to countless doorways of opportunity that one would not have access to otherwise. For many career fields, such as those in the sciences and mathematics, college is a necessary step in the journey towards working in those professions. For me, returning to college means preparing myself with essential knowledge and experience and laying out the foundation for a future career in a field that I know I will love. Obtaining my second bachelor’s degree in STEM will open up a myriad of new opportunities for me and allow me to explore a career that I am unwaveringly passionate about.
The Presidential Scholarship is a full tuition and room and board scholarship. What makes you more deserving of this award than students of the same academic caliber?
Throughout my years of attending various colleges, I have never come across a joint degree program that matches Harvard Extension School’s. For many years, I have searched high and low for a cross-cultural liberal arts education that encompasses all aspects of business and collegiate studies. The joint degree presented by Harvard Extension School is an epic innovation to Ivy League academics. It magnificently exemplifies how monumental the options are for professionals in the 21st century. There are innumerable reasons as to why I want to pursue a joint degree at Harvard Extension School. A few of these reasons include the incomparable quality education, devoted faculty, personable support, global perspectives, international community integration, and unrivaled research in many fields. Harvard Extension School has an upstanding repute for
A moving piece written by Jane Kenyon titled as, “Let Evening Come” expresses what the main essence of life is, and the importance of now. What struck me the most in her beautifully written piece was in the last stanza of her poem where she states, “Let it come, as it will, and don't be afraid. God does not leave us comfortless, so let evening come” (1252). Generally, most people would associate evening into darkness or something that is terrifying. However in that passage from her poem, it asserts that there is no need to be afraid with the darkness that comes in our way because truly there is something beautiful beyond that. These darkness symbolizes the challenges or difficulties that we may encounter in our life. Additionally, the passage
A change within my life that helped me grow was getting a job. My first job, was as at Little Caesars as a shaker-boarder. My motivation was to help pay my family’s bills. I had to perform tricks, dance, and wave a sign on the corner of Holgate and Division. Eventually motivated I moved up the ranks from shaker-boarder, dish washer, to preparing dough, all during my last term of high school. However, my parents worried that I may dismiss my education for money. After discussing the matter though, it was agreed I would keep my job to pay for college.
Every dime I earn working at Reynolds Community College and every grant and scholarship I receive will go towards my passion of studying human behavior and applying everything I learn to bringing every community I can reach, a giant leap forward. After receiving my associates degree in Social a Science I decided to take a year off to work towards finding what it is that I really want to pursue. I have searched for that 'something ' that will keep me intrigued and awake all hours of the night without realizing it. I have eliminated the idea of simply working to make ends meet or finding a good job to support my family and "living" outside the 40+ hours of a weekday job. I am pursuing much more and I am confident that I have found a path leading me to wake up before my alarm clock sounds instead of praying for more time.
Wayne County Community College is a focused yet disconnected box. This is understandable; a bulk of the students are older, more experienced, and already involved their field of choice moving towards a known purpose with little time to focus elsewhere. For an older student , this college could be the extent of their educational journey. However, for a younger student, this district is a transitional point rather than an end. Despite it 's stagnated nature, WCCCD has been a wonderful experience. The college has assisted in my growth both academically as well as socially. I have nearly completed my associates degree. I have participated the college 's bowling team and SSS (Student Support Services). As well as becoming a member of my community college 's chapter of Phi Theta Kapp.
Having the unique perspective of an immigrant, who has had to overcome numerous obstacles to become integrated into American society while maintaining my roots, has motivated me to make the most of my education. Thus, being surrounded by and working alongside like-minded, driven individuals with differing, yet relatable backgrounds excites me, and I know that I will have this opportunity as a member of the Lookout Scholars Program. To be in an environment with other first-generation college students who understand the significance of their education and truly appreciate the opportunities allowed to them will be motivational and inspiring. I believe engaging in a stimulating and encouraging cohort with students who desire to be challenged in
Opportunities like this scholarship only come in a lifetime, so being able to partake in it, is such an honor. I truly contemplate that I’m qualified for this scholarship because of my past academic accomplishments and flexible upcoming goals.
As a community college student (soon to be graduate), I feel that I have gained a new perspective on what personal growth means. Like any student with a passion for a greater future, I believe in taking every experience and opportunity from community college in order to prepare me for the next level in my education. Throughout my two years of receiving hard earned grades and becoming involved in community service projects (through Phi Theta Kappa) I realized the importance of community building and setting goals. I am proud to be the Co-President of Phi Theta Kappa and to have achieved a 3.8 GPA for my last semester. My 3.8 GPA lead me to a well-deserved position on the Deans’ List, and I am positive that Rutgers University will provide me the tools that will lead me to success.
As the summer nears its end, band kids everywhere prepare for the hectic nature of marching band. We all begin to dread the coming of band camp, but long for the passion and livelihood of the approaching marching season. Band has its ups and downs; however, the benefits it leaves us with are immeasurable.
A potential career I have always been interested in would have to be teaching. I enjoy working with people and especially teaching people new things. I have always admired some teachers, but some on the other hand, they just never sparked my interests. Many people dreamed of being teachers when they are younger, but how many actually stick with their young dreams?