From Struggles to Success by Isabel

From Struggles to Success by Isabel - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

At the very young age of 7, I vividly remember the day I found my mother crying. “Mami que pasa, estas bien?” I asked her, and she told me “Nada mija,Todo esta bien”, as she wiped her tears off her cheeks. Even as a child, I knew what was wrong. I had overheard the quiet conversations about the endless bills, and rent and how my parents were struggling to pay them. I was raised in a low income Spanish speaking household. For much time my family lived simply, with very few materials. Many Meals were repetitive tortillas with salt, beans, and water were staples on our table. My siblings and I shared everything, from clothes to food, and even dreams. Growing up I felt different from other kids. You might say “odd”. I felt ashamed and embarrassed of who I was and where I came from, I felt worthless.

For the past 7 years in elementary school, My mother would walk me to school and back simply because she didn't want to waste money on gas. I would constantly complain about the walks to school, whereas my mother enjoyed it. I never really understood why she enjoyed our walks. Later I realized that those walks taught me more than I realized at the time. They were a symbol of her commitment to my education and my future. I did not understand the sacrifices my parents made back then But now I see that every sacrifice made was a way of showing their love and dedication.
My parents always told me that education was the key to being successful. My father, who had some schooling himself, often said, “Cree en todo lo que haces porque dudar de ti mismo no te llevará a ninguna parte en tu futuro.” Those words became my motivation to keep on going. I tried to work hard in school, knowing that every assignment brought me one step closer to creating a better life for my family and myself. Majoring in Business became my passion, not because I want wealth or have a ranking, but because it can inspire change. When I think about my future in business, I see myself not just as a businesswoman, but as a leader who inspires others. Whether it’s leading a team, or helping a person in need, I want to make a difference.

By choosing a career in business, I am committing to a path that will allow me to connect with others and hopefully make an impact. I not only want to be the kind of leader who not only achieves personal achievements but also creates opportunities for others. My life has many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every challenge I faced, every obstacle I overcame, and every person who believed in me brought me to where I am today. I am ready to embrace the future, not just for myself, but for the community. I hope to make an impact on others on how it did for me.