My Unexpected Role-Model by Christine

My Unexpected Role-Model by Christine - September 2013 Scholarship Essay

When I was asked to consider my most inspirational academic role model, I immediately thought of my mentor, Sandi. Sandi is a huge role model in my life because of her love for God, passion for people, and academic ambition. She is 50 years old, which may seem strange for an academic role model. The truth is that Sandi has taught me more about education than most of my actual teachers have.
Sandi quit school and work to raise her children, and was a stay-at-home mom for twenty-seven years. A few years ago, she decided to go back to school because she knew that it was what God was calling her to do. Just recently, she received her Bachelor's degree in Christian Counseling and is now working towards her Master's. 
The fact that Sandi is doing all this at 50 years old while still raising her last three children is so inspirational to me. It just reminds me that no matter what the circumstances may be, you can do anything if you are purpose and passion. That may sound cliché, but Sandi is living proof of it in my life which makes it so real to me. Aside from her ambition and persistence in school, I also am inspired by Sandi's work ethic. It is so easy to see that she exerts all of her effort into every school assignment, which is really how it should be. She digs deep into her readings to ensure that she gets everything out of it. I admire her insight and intellect so much. She makes me strive to be the best student I can be. I only hope that I can be half the student that Sandi is. She has taught me so much and I am blessed to have her in my life.