Overcome all Obstacles by Elisha

Overcome all Obstacles by Elisha - May 2014 Scholarship Essay

The best educational advice I have ever received was to always work hard, push through any obstacles, and most importantly to want to achieve and succeed just as much as you want to breathe. In order to reach your potential you have to push through tough situations whether they are physical or mental. I believe attitude is everything and how you approach a situation is what determines your success rate. You have to go into a situation wanting to do the best you possibly can and focus on achieving that goal. Nothing else matters. If you want something, you have to go out there and get it yourself through hard work and persistence. You can’t let anything get in your way. If you know something is going to interfere with you reaching your goals, then you need to take the initiative to recognize that and focus on what matters most to you in the long run- your ultimate goal.

Going to new schools in a matter of years or even months has been the norm for me. I was almost unable to get my associate's degree because of how often the military moves my family. I was already well aware of the possibility of another move before getting a degree and moving out of state would make it more difficult for classes to transfer and count towards a degree. However, I was determined to get my degree and be the first in my family to receive one. I went to great measures like not taking any semesters off, not even summer, and taking 6 classes back to back all day to get 17 credits in one semester. Sure enough I was moving out of state 8 credits before receiving an associate’s degree. I had completed 52.25 units in just 5 semesters. My last two classes I was luckily able to finish online in the summer, during the middle of the move to the other side of the U.S. I was the first in my family to receive my degree. To this day I want to continue to reach bigger goals and further my education.

I’ve managed to overcome many obstacles before when it comes to my education, but the end results are what make it all worthwhile. I’ve never felt more proud of all that I have accomplished so far with my college education. I hope to further my education by transferring to California Polytechnic State University in Pomona where I have been accepted. Now I face another obstacle, this time financial. I know I have the drive and motivation to continue on an upward path to success. I strive to attain a bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition and focus on becoming a registered dietician someday in the near future. I’ve been faced with many setbacks and bumps in the road on my educational path; nevertheless I will do whatever it takes to continue. I will not give up; I will work hard, push through, and continue to keep my eye on the prize.