I’ve Been Studying Abroad My Whole Life by Hope

I’ve Been Studying Abroad My Whole Life by Hope - November 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I could study abroad I think it would have the same impact on my education as when I arrived in the United States had on me. I would be able to learn the culture of other people, not only the residents but also those who were also visitors, like myself. I would have to adapt to my surroundings so that I could have a chance to compete with those around me. The most important positive influence that studying abroad would have on my college education would be motivation to work even harder in college achieve the goals I set for myself.
For months my mother would keep on telling me that one day we were going to go somewhere special, a place I could be whoever I wanted and not worry about the struggles I faced in my home country Cameroon. My reaction like any other child was to constantly ask my mom where this place was and why it was so special. When the day came, I remembered all my friends and family coming to my house with gifts and food giving me and my family farewells. I was confused. It wasn't until I arrived at the airport that I knew what my mother meant by we were going to go somewhere special. When the plane took off I somehow knew I wasn't going to see my friends again. I told myself, how could a place be special if it broke up family and friends.
It's been twelve years since my arrival to the United States, within just my first week I learned so much about the people and their culture. I learned from the ones who lived on the streets asking for change, from the ones who had pockets full of money that passed by without a glance, and from those who would follow the man to his car and take the money. I knew that whenever I had money, I had to keep it in a safe spot to prevent the same thing from happening to me. So far the trip was a disappointment, the skies were blocked with buildings that went above the clouds, the air was dense with foul smoke and orders, and most importantly, everyone in class would make fun of the strong accent I had. Every day would be a challenge, but I wouldn't complain to my parents because of all their sacrifices, I just had to toughen up. I had to work hard in and outside of school so I could be whoever I want to be, just like my mom promised me back when I was a child.
It would be a lie if I said there was nothing I gained from this my experiences. I learned that it was important to adapt to where I was and that nothing in life was going to be handed over to me. It wasn’t easy learning how to speak proper English but every day I would work hard so that I could adjust to my environment and not be left behind. This was a lesson I had to learn since I was away from home. A skill I had to learn was adapting to social and climate changes. It wasn’t until I arrived at the United States that I found out about the cold days and snowy nights, especially in Minnesota, the winters were unforgiving. I had to take different routes when walking to school to avoid the dangerous and slippery roads.
If I were to study abroad, I feel that it would recreate the experience I had when I arrived in the United States. I would have a reason to work harder than everyone else. I would have to remind myself that even if I wasn't the best student, I would be the one who always tried his best. The key to my success has always been that I take in the positives from the negatives and by doing this, my studies from abroad would have a positive impact on my college education and overall life. Well, that and I would enjoy leaving home again to see what else the world has to offer me.