Courage to Grow by Alex

Courage to Grow by Alex - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

I grew up in a typical single-parent household, except for the times when my father was out of jail. From the time I was four, my dad became addicted to drugs, leading him to become estranged from my mother and siblings. My family was also gang-affiliated. This made my entire environment a dangerous and volatile one, whether I was at home or out with my family. I had the privilege of isolating myself in my room and drowning out everything happening outside my door with video games. However, this solace came at the expense of my academic studies and self-confidence. I had no drive or hope, and my academic profile was crippled.

Despite this, I developed a small habit that would unknowingly propel my life upward at an exponential rate. I went for a run! The feeling of needles in my lungs on that frigid day gave me a sense of purpose. I became interested in working out and general fitness. I wanted to go to the gym but didn't have a driver's license, so I got one. Getting a driver's license may not seem like a great feat to many, but it was a vulnerable moment for me. After losing around 60 pounds, I became increasingly concerned about my future. That's when I decided to come to Kansas. I wasn't supposed to go back to school, chase the opportunities I currently have, or be here today. However, I took the bad hand that I was dealt and turned it into opportunity, rather than letting the opportunity come to me.

In my adolescence, my way of coping led me to live a life scared of the world and all the uncertainty that pursuing success would hold. Today, I stand with my head held high, knowing that there will be times in the future that truly test my mettle. It is this courage that I wish my younger self had sought. I would want to let the younger version of me know that hard work and dedication aren't deterrents to success, but rather key elements to achieving success and living a great life. This sentiment is what my journey up until now embodies. This sentiment is what gave me the courage to grow.