Goals to Make You Proud by Ivanna

Goals to Make You Proud by Ivanna - August 2022 Scholarship Essay

When was the last time you saw your parents? At the age of only 10 years old, on July 4th, 2012, my mom told me and my siblings, “Your dad passed away two days ago." Devastated, I immediately ran into my room, desperately looked for the picture I carried of my dad, held it dearly to my chest, and cried myself to sleep. I woke up the next morning and did not want to let go of my mom. I thought that something was going to happen to her too. When I eventually let go of her, I remembered the last thing that my dad told me. He said, “It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you later.” At first, I was so upset that he had lied to me. He said he would see me later, but he left me. However, through time I learned to interpret what he said.
My dad would always be my number one supporter, especially academically. Every time I showed him my report card in the middle of the year he would smile but quickly remind me that I have to keep on going. At the end of the school year, however, when I showed him my final report card he would smugly smack his teeth as if he knew all along what I was capable of. For every goal I pursue, I remember how much my dad believes in me and when things get tough his faith in me is enough for me to follow through. In fifth grade, I signed up to play the saxophone with my school’s band. It was around the same time that my dad passed and it helped me heal from the enormous grief that I was feeling. Every time I performed I was terrified, but I imagined my dad sitting in the back of the room with a light smile saying, “There goes my little girl.”
My sophomore year of high school, I auditioned for and received the position of Drum Major for my high school band. In this leadership position, I helped incoming students transition to a higher level of musicianship as well as act as a director when my teacher was absent. I loved seeing the students’ feeling of fulfillment after performing as a result of all their hard work. This experience inspired me to pursue teaching as a career. Although I enjoyed teaching music, my real passion, however, was and is mathematics. I have always found numbers fascinating and I have always admired that mathematics is a universal language. This Spring of 2022, I completed my Mathematics Associate’s degree from Merced Community College. I am now currently enrolled at San Jose State University to complete my Bachelor’s degree and Single-Subject Credential with the goal of teaching Mathematics in the high school system. While getting teaching experience, I plan to continue with my Master’s degree to prepare myself for college teaching.
Recently, I applied for and received a volunteer position in the San Jose State University program called College Corps. The program focuses on teaching computer science to 3rd to 6th-grade students in low-income schools. My goal this academic year is to begin sharing my passion for mathematics and computer science. I will do so by providing exceptional education to children in the College Corps program that is fulfilling and enjoyable for them to learn. I plan on achieving this by providing them with the best resources like educational videos, practice sites, worksheets, and hands-on learning activities. Additionally, I strive to be welcoming, caring, and understanding of my students’ needs. We can all get pretty overwhelmed at times and they are no different. Sometimes, children just need someone that believes in their abilities and I will always remember to be that person for them like my dad was for me. More than ever, we need the next generation’s help to support our ever-growing tech world. I want to mentor and remind these bright minds that they are the leaders of tomorrow.
When I first started college, I did not know how hard it was going to be to navigate as a first-generation student, with no guide to lead me toward success. However, my dad’s legacy of perseverance has always kept me going. Thankfully, I have learned how to navigate college life and my grades have shown just how well I can adapt to tough situations. Personally, I put all of my effort into school so that my mom can retire someday. She has been carrying the financial load since my dad’s passing and I want her to have the break she deserves. I will never forget to remind my mom how much I love her and neither should you. We truly never know when our last goodbye can be taken away. We should always rest our minds in the present and make decisions that are full of love and perseverance. I am very passionate about mathematics and I want to lead the next generations. I ask for your assistance to help me create stepping stones for the next generations that will someday step into our shoes.