My Educational Experience by Amber

My Educational Experience by Amber - December 2014 Scholarship Essay

I learned at a very young age that obtaining an education is a necessity to living a successful and fulfilling life. Throughout high school, as I researched career opportunities that interested me, I fully realized the advantages higher education can afford.

Both of my parents are deceased. My father passed away when I was five years old. My mother passed away when I was fourteen years old. My mother was in prison from the time that I was six to the time of her death. My younger brother and I lived with my elderly grandparents. Due to their age and the advances in education since their school days, my grandparents were unable to assist Blake or I with homework or other school assignments . As I pursued higher level course work in middle and high school, I realized that successful completion of the work rested solely on my shoulders.

Throughout my high school education, I was exposed to many positive things. Being nominated and accepted into the youth leadership program afforded opportunities to visit hospitals, jails, courthouses, the local SWAT facility, and my state capitol. While interacting with the successful people I met during these visits, their level of education was evident. I observed that lack of education resulted in less rewarding careers and even poor choices leading to incarcerations.

I am very motivated to do well academically because of my parents death. Their deaths left a void both emotionally and financially. I know that obtaining a higher level education is the only way that I will be able to provide for myself and my future. And, I know paying my own way through college will be another avenue of education. I am so thankful for the many educators who have gone above and beyond to encourage, guide and support me to this point of my life. Without them, I’m not sure I would even be in college. I am convinced that I will be the first in my family to graduate from college. This conviction comes from the outstanding education provided by educators who truly care.