My Peruvian Inspiration by Anna

Anna's entry into Varsity Tutor's October 2019 scholarship contest

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My Peruvian Inspiration by Anna - October 2019 Scholarship Essay

Whenever I think about who inspires me academically, only one person comes to mind. My father. He is originally from a Huanchaco, a small beachtown in northern Peru. One of seven kids, he grew up with family around all the time, and his parents working hard to provide food and clothing. He also went to college in Trujillo, the nearest city to his hometown. However, the universities were going on strike, and his peers were not able to find work in their area of study. Therefore, he moved to Japan to work 10-12 hour days six days a week in construction and welding, while sending money back home to his mom and dad and brothers and sisters. He saved every yen he could, and wouldn’t even spend money for a haircut; instead he’d cut his own hair. He continued working there and eventually met my mom.

We go back to visit often. My mom, my dad, my sister, and I. I am always reminded that I cannot take my academic opportunities for granted. Especially when I see my cousins and aunts and uncles. Heinz, Mike, and Israel are the names of three of my cousins. After high school, they went to work on cruise ships all over the world. Being a professional is not an option for them down there when they have to think about supporting their family first. My tía Lidia is someone who I love, look up to, appreciate very much. She is always making jokes and never complaining. She had polio when she was a kid and was crawling for most of her childhood. She had many surgeries on a hospital ship called the SS Hope. She and my mamita even had to take a small boat in order to get on the ship. At around eleven years old she started to walk with her braces, and now is in a wheelchair, unable to walk. Maybe with some more medical attention and physical therapy, she would be able to do more things and wouldn’t be limited to her wheelchair. This is why I am going to college to become a physical therapist and getting a higher degree. This is why I am working hard on my academics. This is why I will never forget my Peruvian heritage.

My father worked at hotels for twelve years, and then became a nursing assistant at a university hospital. He never wanted my mom to support him, so he took whatever job he could get. He works the night shift and now works at least one extra night a week to support us. My father had always dreamed of being a doctor, but CNA was the closest he got. He works so hard to help us in any way, shape, or form, and the way he cares for us and his whole family is how I am and still aspire to be every day. The only thing I can do to show my appreciation is to excel and try my hardest in school.

My academics have always been one of my top priorities growing up. This is mostly because of the fact that I was raised to not take anything for granted and to remember my roots. My father grew up in poverty in another country, and he moved away from everything he knew, first to Japan and then to the United States, in order to give his family and himself a better opportunity and more success in life. My father works hard for me, and therefore I strive for academic excellence and work hard for my family as well.

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