The Gift of Ambition by Emely

The Gift of Ambition by Emely - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Am·bi·tion: an overwhelming drive and determination to achieve goals, targets and success.

As a child, almost every night, I would wake up at 3:00 am as I heard my father getting ready for work. I was able to memorize the exact amount of time he spent getting ready and found myself automatically dozing off when I heard his boots that were covered in paint walking towards the door. This was a routine my body was accustomed to and something that often brought me comfort. A few years later my father decided he wanted to get his license to become a commercial truck driver. For three months I watched as he simultaneously went to work and school, and observed as he consistently went over the words in his loaded notebook. When he was finally able to get a job delivering milk, I was able to experience the pride he feels when I accomplish something. My father, the one who was known for being rebellious, the one who was not even allowed to attend his own graduation, is the one who has taught me the importance of determination and self correction.

During my childhood, there was another particular part of my day, 6:00 pm. It was the time me and my mother finally arrived home after I went to school and then to the recreation center where she worked helping children with their homework. Everyday we arrived home tired and hungry, embracing that we finally reached the time of day where our little family was complete. Cherishing the few laughs we could share before we had to prepare ourselves for the next day. Unlike the other children at the recreation center, I was not there willingly, but because my mother had to work and had no choice but to take her little girl with her. However, I was able to see every rewarding moment where children thanked my mother for helping them learn to read, write, and even speak English. She often did things that had nothing to do with her job like throwing children birthday parties and giving clothes to those who were less fortunate. My mother also had another job, in the morning she worked at Roberto Clemente Middle School. She worked as a secretary, and on some days I was able to see as she worked hard maintaining and scheduling countless things. My mother, the one who had to learn english in a year, the one who did not have the opportunity to finish college, is the one who has taught me the importance of hard work and humility.

My parents have bestowed upon me the most valuable gift of all: the gift of ambition. It is their relentless determination that has provided me with a roof over my head and clothes on my back, even during the most trying times when financial hardships seemed unconquerable. They've instilled in me the fundamental truth that hard work is the key to reaching goals and achieving success. When I was 8 years old, I made a promise to my parents that I would attend college, little did we know that I would become a college student by the tender age of 14. I am currently a student at Parkway Center City Middle College, where I have the unique privilege of being a dual enrollment student at the Community College of Philadelphia. The ambition my parents have instilled within me has not only opened this remarkable door of opportunity but has also been my guiding force throughout these four years. As I am on the cusp of completing my high school and associate's degree this spring, my goals remain high. I am committed to nurturing my ambition, allowing it to guide me through life’s ups and downs, triumphs, and setbacks. Day by day, I persist, eagerly awaiting the moments when the clock strikes 3:00 am and 6:00 pm.