The Power of a Mother by Abigail

The Power of a Mother by Abigail - March 2023 Scholarship Essay

My mother is the person that has had the biggest impact on my education, skills, and behavior. Most children, like myself, look up to their guardians as role models and examples. My mother, Mandy, did so much more. She taught me the importance of flexibility, hard work, and knowing when to be respectful instead of right. These skills she taught me at such a young age paved the way for my growth and the opportunities I have now.
Ever heard of “small-town life?” Well, there are plenty of pros and cons to this lifestyle that I grew up in. The best pro is that I get to go to the same high school that my mother did. She would show me pictures of her there, having fun with her friends. But one night I was crying in my room- the stress of school was getting to me. I looked at those pictures, seeing her smile and all that she accomplished, being class president, president of many clubs, and working to no end. Mandy was what we would call the “it” girl, prom queen as well. When she walked in she told me something I will never forget, “you don’t take pictures of the bad days.” This made me realize that each accomplishment comes with its faults and obstacles, but we never see it, only the shiny medal of finally completing it.
The con of being in a small town is not seeing the world around me. I found my passion for music when I was a sophomore, and instantly knew how much work I would need to put in to make my dreams a reality. When I finally found an opportunity outside of my town, about an hour and a half away, everything changed. Everyone thought I was crazy, because why put in so much work if you can’t do it here? Mandy, on the other hand, always believed in me. She showed me how to multitask my education with my jobs. She explained how to manage my time and opportunities. Everything was finally at a steady pace.
However, my mother unexpectedly died almost a year ago, right when my life was getting to a good point. I had lost the one I loved the most, the one that showed me the most. Yet, that didn’t stop life from giving me opportunities I could never have dreamed of. I am now going to be performing at Carnegie Hall in New York in June. I’m also sixth in my class, while also being the president of two clubs, and an officer in two more. My grades have never looked better, and my drive to work hard has never been stronger. Even if my mother is not here now, she is the one and only reason I have to explain my new life. If it wasn’t for her, I would not be the person I am today. If it wasn’t for her, I would not be in this new position in life.
To conclude, I would simply ask you to thank that one person that has been your light while everything seems dark. No matter the person, no matter the place, everyone has an impact. My mother had the power to change every room she walked in, and make my life as bright as it could be. The power of a man will never be as great as the power of a mother.