True Blessing by Carlos

True Blessing by Carlos - April 2019 Scholarship Essay

There are moments in time which change our future forever. For me one moment happened when I transferred from public school to private school. It is remarkable how a change of environment has allowed me to display my true academic potential and develop a no fear attitude.

In my previous public school, New Rochelle High School (NRHS), I was not provided with the adequate tools and environment to succeed. I was bullied, teased for having an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and did not feel 100% comfortable with my surroundings. Being in a class size of 766 students, I was treated more like a number than an actual student. Several teachers and school staff where not supportive when I reached out for help. One teacher surprisingly said, “You don’t even matter!” It truly was not a motivational place for me to learn, which was reflected in my grades.

Transferring to Monsignor Scanlan High School (MS) has been a true blessing. It has given me a place to excel and show my true potential. Every teacher, school staff and student have been extremely supportive. They welcomed me into their family and I no longer felt lost in the crowd. I’ve made new friends and joined the comic book, gaming, and art clubs. My confidence, self-esteem, and motivation have grown to the point I can push past my fears to gain success. I found a job and passed my drivers permit exam in 5 minutes. I have become a new and improved man!

My NRHS transcript and my MS report cards represent two different versions of Carlos. Viewing my NRHS transcript you see the results of a student who was not in a positive learning environment to academically succeed. That is the old version of Carlos who no longer exists. My MS report cards show the new and improved Carlos. They display how in the right learning environment I can excel. This is evident with the major increase of my cumulative GPA from the ending of junior year (74) to my current marking period (80). I am determined to increase it to an 85 by the next marking period.

Fortunately I have been able to take courses guided to my Illustration major. Last year I was enrolled in Art History and Media Arts. This year I’m taking Studio Art, Graphic Novel, and Intro to Computer Coding, which is part of the Amazon Future Engineer Pathway STEM Program. In addition to these classes I have completed a pre-college illustration course at The School of Visual Arts. I am currently enrolled in two courses administered by Westchester Community College, “Photoshop Basics” and “Graphic Novels & Illustration”. All these courses are preparing me for college level courses.

I’m sure you have heard the saying, “It's not where you start, it's where you finish.” I may have started out slow but I’m determined to finish on top!