Plan of Action by Cheyenne

Plan of Action by Cheyenne - December 2017 Scholarship Essay

There are many conventional images that people have of not only African-Americans, but African-American females. Many obstacles have been made to challenge me, but I am proud to say that I overcame the greatest. I have dealt with the violent murder of my father, which influenced and shaped me into who I am today and has had authority over things I do inside and outside of school.
On April 13, 2010, the man who believed in my ability to excel the most was taken from me. I was only ten years old when my father fell victim to a senseless homicide. I underwent a series of emotions. I was angry, hurt, devastated, but oddly I was determined. At that moment I made a crucial decision, to use my father's legacy to lay a foundation and drive to create one that I could call my own. My father Billy often reminded me, that since his education never went past high school, using his hands was about the only thing he could do. “Go out there and learn to use your hands and mind,” he told me. This later inspired my aspirations of becoming a veterinarian.
Growing up without a father made everything a challenge to me. Being only in the fourth grade, I fell into a depression. I strayed from my friend groups and detached from my family. Church, for the first time in my life, ceased my interest and became an alternative course of action. The only thing was brought my joy at this time in my life was my dog. I started to become more fond of animals, volunteering at places like wayside waifs and animal homeless shelters. I longed for the day that I could be able to heal animals for the rest of my life.
Coming out of the depression I was in wasn’t easy; however, thanks to the endless prayers of my mother, grandmother, and church family, I prevailed. I became more involved in church doing various activities, and speaking to girls my age which led me to hold the title of New Era District Baptist Association Red Circle Girls President. Being appointed President, I often get the opportunity to share my personal experiences with girls my age and younger and encourage them to always keep a strong relationship with God.
Being an African-American female, life has not and will not be a silver platter for me. As far as my life after high school goes, I plan to attend a historically black college or university and double major in biology and chemistry. “Go out there and learn to use your hands and mind,” keeping my father’s legacy close to my heart, I will journey through college committed to my dreams of becoming a veterinarian while participating in many community service projects for hands on activities. I intend to gather as many scholarships in order to not only carry out my personal goals but to know that I am making my father proud. I plan to excel in my school life, home life, and most importantly my church life to reach the goals that I have planned for myself.