A Diamond In The Rough. by Angelique

A Diamond In The Rough. by Angelique - March 2014 Scholarship Essay

I come from a Vietnamese family. My father was in reeducation camps after the fall of Vietnam. My family immigrated to the U.S. in 1983. I am the youngest of three, born and raised here in Seattle. My parents always emphasized how important education is, because they wanted us to take the opportunity to become successful.

My two older siblings never graduated from college and growing up, I never took school seriously. I ended up dropping out of school when I was sixteen years old. I eventually ended up with a GED.

When I was nineteen years old, I completed a one year dental assisting certificate and landed a dental assisting job. After working as a dental assistant at Beacon Hill Dental Associates for a few years, I decided I wanted to become a dental hygienist. I started taking the prerequisites for dental hygiene while working full time. Many people had their doubts about how well I would do because of my lack of motivation to succeed in the past, but I knew I was smart enough to be able to succeed.

During my two years of college, I studied day and night. Because of that, I was able to get exemplary grades. I earned admission and started dental hygiene September 2012, four days after giving birth to my daughter.

During my second quarter of school, I came down with some serious medical problems and had to discontinue the program. I was diagnosed with a rare overlap autoimmune disease, which has features of, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Scleroderma.

One year later, my medical problems are under control with oral medications and monthly infusions. Even though I have a rare form of arthritis, I am able to serve as a dental assistant and have the fine motor and coordination skills necessary to become a dental hygienist.

I recently re applied to Seattle Central Community College’s dental hygiene program. I was accepted and will be starting this April. This program leads into a Bachelor’s degree. Should I lose fine movement control, I can go into teaching.

Education is a huge factor in becoming successful. The education that I have received has taught me to be focused on my goals even when faced with difficult classes and serious situations.

I have overcome many obstacles, but with the enthusiasm that I have for life and what I do, I know that I will continue to excel.