A Mother's Influence by Briannon

A Mother's Influence by Briannon - October 2019 Scholarship Essay

The person who has inspired me the most academically is my mother, Glynda Toney. She was the youngest of five children and a first generation college student. The journey to earn her degree came with many obstacles, but she was determined to succeed. Her various stories of overcoming these challenges to better herself along with her endless support encourage my success, even when I feel like quitting.
My mother started college at Southwest Mississippi Community College and drove an hour there and an hour back each day in a run down little car without air conditioning or a heater; it was miserable, but her education was worth it. One of the hindrances she faced was when she went to complete her nursing clinicals later on, but there was a problem. Somewhere along the way, paperwork got mishandled, and they were not aware that she was an out of state student. Although she was almost finished with her clinicals, they removed her after this realization; she was told she could be waitlisted and then return a few years later once the time came. Her parents were uneducated and she was young, so the issue was never fought as it should have been. However, she did not let this stop her. Being the resilient woman I know and love today, she transferred to Southeastern Louisiana University and earned her bachelor's degree.
Knowing the struggles my mother faced and how she always adapted to overcome them inspires me to do the same. At an early age, I discovered that education is of utmost importance just by hearing how hard she was willing to work and how much she was willing to sacrifice for her education. My mother has been my biggest support system throughout my school years. She has helped me solve any problems I have been faced with and taught me how to fight for what is right. In a way, my mother has been my mentor, shaping me with her knowledge and experience to make sure I am not faced with the same complications she was.
Whenever I doubt my abilities or am about to surrender to hard times, I think of my mother and everything she faced. I know that if she can conquer so many setbacks, then I can as well. Her influence has taught me that reaching your goals is like following a map; things can go in many different directions. The road to success may be difficult, but when things take an unexpected turn, you just have to find your way around. For me, success is defined by being happy with what I do and prospering in the process, things that a good education will play an important role in. Without my mother's inspiration and encouragement, I would not be such an assiduous student or have the knowledge and confidence necessary to obtain my goals.