Just Give it Your All by Casey

Just Give it Your All by Casey - October 2019 Scholarship Essay

Often you will hear students say that a teacher, a parent, or a friend is their motivation to work and study vigorously, and for me, it is the same. However, the person that has inspired me academically is all of those in one, and that is my mom.

From the beginning, my mom has always been my teacher. Early on, before I had even started school, she decided to homeschool my siblings and me. Wanting us to learn in our own unique way, she catered to each of us specifically, making sure that we understood and enjoyed what we were learning, as each child comprehends information differently. Although providing that is not always a walk in the park, my mom works vigorously to accomplish that, making sure that we receive a strong education.

One of the numerous virtues that my mom etched into my brain was that, “you do not have to be perfect, just make sure that you give it your all.” In my mom’s eyes, it did not matter whether I received an A or a C on a test; what mattered was if I had done my absolute best and had given it my all. If I received a C but I had given my best, for that point in time, the C would be acceptable. And the same goes for an A. If I did not work my hardest but still received an A, that A would be meaningless. Whether it is school, sports, or a job, whatever it is, always give it your best, not just “good enough.”

At the beginning, I stated that my mom is three in one. Although my mom is my mom and my mom is my teacher, my mom is also my friend. She is always there, even when life becomes difficult. Academically speaking, when I have a struggle with a specific assignment, I will find her and ask for help, the same way I would ask a friend. She does not talk or answer me as if she is a Smart Alec that knows everything, but instead, with the idea that she just has more experience and understanding. My mom will often tell me that she is not perfect and that she does not know everything, and honestly, there is nothing wrong with that. When I have a question that she is unable to answer, she will not just leave me hanging; she will help me find a resource that can provide an answer.

If you asked me, “who has most inspired you academically and why”, my answer would be my mom; not only does she work endlessly to provide a solid education for me and my siblings, at the same time she is still a mom and a friend. Furthermore, she not only taught us our core curriculum, but she has also taught us valuable skills, strong virtues, and lifelong lessons. Because of my mom, working with motivation and determination and giving my all has now become habitual. If you can do that, I believe you have achieved success. If you have given it everything you have, what further can anyone ask for?