Slow but steady by Emili

Slow but steady by Emili - December 2020 Scholarship Essay

Have you ever felt that no matter, you will achieve your goal? Growing up, I thought this meant that things would go smoothly. However, I learned since high school that there are a lot of obstacles to surpass first before achieving your goal. As a non-citizen, attending university was not as easy as I imagined. With my family's support and balancing work with my studies, I was able to get through my undergraduate studies. It took 5 years to complete my bachelor's degree in Spanish. As much as I wanted a minor in French, unfortunately, I did not have enough money or time to have enough credits to fulfill the requirements. I successfully took French courses for 3 years in high school and 2 more years at the university, Cal State LA. Through the obstacles, I learned to navigate a new school and city by commuting on train four days a week by myself. I became more knowledgeable and conscientious of the world around me by meeting new peers from not only Cal State LA but throughout California through a Central American club. Among other obstacles, I learned to become more confident and most importantly, braver when facing new situations.
Since graduating in 2016, I have continued to improve myself and not be afraid of trying new things. At the beginning of 2020, I finally decided to pursue further education to become a high school teacher. I started my master’s program at National University to obtain a single subject teaching credential. This year has proven to be one of the most unprecedented years for not only me but the whole world. Despite its own obstacles and difficulties, I have completed in an accelerated time, most of my master’s program. For the year 2021, my ultimate goal is to finish the last three specialized courses and start student teaching in the fall. I am eager and determined to finish strong and obtain both my master’s and teaching credential in English. I know I will accomplish my ultimate goal despite any obstacle because there will always be a way to surpass it.