For My Family by Brigitte

For My Family by Brigitte - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

My motivation to pursue my academic goals is my family. My family is the reason I work hard and genuinely want to follow the path of education to attend a university. I enjoy envisioning my parents telling other people about how proud they are of their daughter going to a university to reach her goals. In addition, the way I stay completely focused on my academic goals is by disciplining myself. Also, reminding myself every time when work seems too much that it will be all worth it in the end.

To begin with, I wish to become the reason my parents will not have to worry about money or financial situations. For the past couple of years my parents' relationship has spiraled down and especially since the inflammation of the economy, it has just gotten worse. It is understandable that they may not want to be together anymore, but I want to be able to help them financially. Just to take an issue off their plate so they do not be stressed. My parents, and all parents in general, have done so much. They had raised me and my brothers, wasted money on us and on things that may not even be needed just to keep us happy. Even the times when a daughter argues with her parents, they are still waiting for her with open arms. They have not forsaken me.

Moreover, I know it will be challenging to strive for my goals, due to money, being the first generation to attend college, and becoming an example to my community of all Hispanics/Latinas. I am a 17-year-old Hispanic, a middle child too, which many may assume that I should not worry about because I have an older sibling, an example to follow. But I do not. He did not wish to pursue education, and it is not his fault. After the pandemic, he spiraled down into depression and closed himself. Although, in the past 2 years he has gotten better and is more open to our family. However, during those years and till this day, I stepped up the role of becoming an example to my little brother and to help him understand that education is important and needed for the success of our family. It is the only opportunity we have, to grow intellectually and to obtain a brighter future easily rather than slaving away at a minimum paid job.

Furthermore, I believe that I will be able to reach my goals and help my family. This year, junior year, I have disciplined myself to prioritize my work over my pleasures, such as relaxing or hanging out with my friends. The moment I receive work I plan to finish it that same day and if there is ever work that is due later, I take advantage to get it done and be ahead. Additionally, not only has discipline helped me, but my faith too. If I ever feel overwhelmed and the need to just pour out my stress, I turn to God. He is the one that guides me through my struggles and reminds me that to obtain something great, there must always be a sacrifice, because that is how you know that that is true love and goodness. Just like how Jesus gave His own life on the cross to save us from Hell. He showed us true love and how a sacrifice is just part of the path to greatness.

In conclusion, my family is my everything, it is my duty to now care for and help them for their future. I know I am not alone in this journey, for my God has not forsaken me and is always with me. Soon, I will be selecting the colleges that I would like to attend and focus on my career path. I am not scared but rather excited and grateful to have an education. I am aware only a few have this opportunity.