Thousands of Miles Away by Celia

Thousands of Miles Away by Celia - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Family is what motivates me to pursue my academic goals. My grandmother had 17 children and she was responsible for raising all of them as a single mother. I never heard her complain about anything, she was and will always be my role model. Although she became a mother at the age of 13 and could not attend school, she knew the importance of education. My grandmother would always tell me “ Una lápiz pesa menos que una pala” which translates to “A pencil weighs less than a shovel”.

My academic goal is to become an Immigration attorney, I have had this goal since I was 7 years old. I would say that what motivates me is my own experience and the people around me who have always supported my dreams and aspirations. I come from a collectivistic and matriarchal culture, I was raised by my aunt and grandmother given that my mother came to the United States when I was little. Early in life, I learned that sometimes you ought to make sacrifices for the good of the family. Growing up without a father and being separated for 5 years from my mother and sisters, was one of the hardest challenges I encountered but knowing that my mother and sisters were waiting for me thousands of miles away, always motivated me to keep going in life.

I stay focused by setting attainable goals. The majority of my goals hold significant value to me, and as such, I am driven to accomplish them with great dedication and commitment, even if it requires making significant sacrifices.
I am well aware of the benefits that come with achieving these goals and the reward that awaits me, which further motivates me to pursue them diligently.