My Rock by Alexa

My Rock by Alexa - October 2019 Scholarship Essay

Next to a grocery store and a medical center for the elderly lies a small dentist’s office. She works on Mondays through Thursdays, even Fridays, from eight in the morning until sometimes seven at night. She built this place from the ground up 15 years ago and has gone through many bumps on the road. Every day she goes to work with a smile on her face ready to help others. Her work has helped patients increase their confidence and helped them face the world with a brand-new smile. She is my mom.

My mom immigrated to the United States of America when she was only 17 years old. She, along with my grandparents and aunt, made the journey from Cuba to Miami in 1988. When my mom came, she did not know of the English language and she had to start college. She went to Miami Dade College when she was only 17 and spent two years learning the English language. She then went into Miami Dade to get her associate degree and finally University. She was, an continues to be a hard-working doctor and student. She went to the University of Florida alone, immersing herself in an unfamiliar environment with diverse cultures. She knew parts of the language but still could not grasp certain phrases and meanings. Ever since I was little, my mom would tell me about her struggles in college. They would ridicule her because of the strong accent she had and would tell her “that’s too hard for you” or “you don’t even know the language.” Even though they said all these things, she let it slide and kept pushing her limits to grow into what she is today. With her bullies and my own, she would say to me “Echarte mantequilla” which means throw butter. As Cubans, this means “let it slide” those bullies do not own you or control your life. You can choose to “echarte mantequilla” and ignore them. My mom is continuing to learn things every day. Recently she joined a class in Miami Dade College for business owners wanting to expand their business. She went to class a few times a week and sometimes she had to cancel her patients just to go. She sacrificed her time and money to help her dream grow and aid more people than before. She taught me that age does not matter in school. Work for what you want.

My mom is my rock. Whenever I need her, I know I can look over my shoulder and there she will appear with a big smile ready to support me. She has helped me through so many bumps in the road, it is unbelievable. During my junior year in high school, I struggled with panic attacks. I could not present in my physics class that day. I went crying to my mom, and she sat me down and told me it was okay. Presentations are something that teachers do to prepare you for your next steps in college. I took this into mind and the next day I presented my project and I got an A. She has encouraged me to push my limits in academics and other aspects of school. I applied to the University of Florida, and when I found out I did not get in, I was devastated. She told me that the school does not matter, it only matters how well you do. I found out that I got into Florida State University, where I am currently living, and I could not be happier. I am chasing my dreams starting in this school and she has encouraged me the entire way. In my first semester of college, I already have mostly A’s and one or two B’s. Her encouragement cannot amount to anything. With that small push, I went to the classes and I was the best I could be. She will continue to be my rock for the rest of my life. My mom has taught me to be true to who I am. I am a proud daughter of a Cuban professional, who has risked everything to give her family a better life.