The Glass Castle by Gabrielle

The Glass Castle by Gabrielle - February 2015 Scholarship Essay

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you didn't have a home to live in? If you didn't have any food to eat? "The Glass Castle", by Jeannette Walls is a truly inspirational and eye opening book. The memoir tells Jeannette's story about how she grew up and became the successful author that she is today. This book was a part of my high school's junior year curriculum, but i'm glad it was. All high school students should read "The Glass Castle" before they graduate.

The story starts out in Jeannette's families' mobile home. Unfortunately, their home caught on fire and the entire family was consequently homeless. Jeannette was the second oldest of four children, and the memoir starts with her at the age of three. He father was an alcoholic, but when he wasn't drinking, Jeannette loved to spend time with him because he could actually be fun to be around. The title of the book comes from his promise to Jeannette that he would build their family a glass castle, which was a symbolic term for their dream home. He carried around the blue prints for the home everywhere they went. Unfortunately, he never did build the home.

What was hard to understand was Jeannette's mother, Rose Mary, was a teacher! All though she had the degree and could go get a job, she would only do so if her family was about to die due to starvation. The family would go days without food, yet the parents would not go to work unless absolutely necessary. Even then, they sometimes would still not do anything! Jeannette recalls living out of a car, a cave, and even abandoned houses. One time, she even caught her mother sneaking a candy bar, and she wouldn't even share it with her starving children. What kind of mother does not put her children first?

Jeannette described her parents as having odd beliefs. They were what you call "extreme cheapskates." They would dumpster dive for food, clothing, furniture, etc. They had no shame pulling something out of a dumpster even though they were healthy people and could have gone to work to make money and provide for their children.

After having such a tough life from the very beginning through college, you would think that Jeannette would struggle for the rest of her life. However, she used her poverty-stricken background as motivation for a better future. Jeannette studied at Barnard College and became a write, journalist, and editor. She is living proof that no matter where you come from, wealthy or poor, you can achieve any goals that you set for yourself. You can be whoever you want to be!

I chose this book because I also came from a low-income family. Luckily, my parents were always supportive and always worked to keep a roof over our heads, and food in our stomachs. I grew up in a mobile home, but my parents still tried to give me the world. Unfortunately, my dad had a work related injury, so he had to stay home. However, he was an amazing teacher! I knew how to spell my first and last name before I went to pre-kindergarten! He always helped me with my homework, and made sure it was all done before I could go to play. He taught me the true value of education. Two weeks into sixth grade, my first year in middle school, my father passed away. It was one of the most confusing times of my life, but I used the negative experience as motivation for a positive outcome. I knew that my dad, more than anything, wanted me to do well so I could go to college and get an education. I finished all three years of middle school with an accumulative GPA of 4.0 and graduated high school with a 3.875.

Currently I am attending my community college for Interior Design and I have an accumulative GPA of 4.0. I wish to further my education so I can maximize my chances for finding a good job and making a living for myself. Although I cannot afford the school of my dreams, (Fashion Institute of Design - Los Angeles), I am applying anyway. Jeannette has been such an inspiration to me. If she could chase her dreams without any supportive home-life, then I sure can with an amazing single mom.

When I saw the essay question for this scholarship, I knew instantly which book I would choose to write about. It's hard to believe that it has been four years since I was reading this book in high school. Time flies! Although, time to time I find myself thinking about Jeannette and her success. She built her glass castle and it is time for me to build mine.

All high school students should read "The Glass Castle" before they graduate.