My obstacles through life by Jocelyn

My obstacles through life by Jocelyn - May 2022 Scholarship Essay

I don't come from the wealthiest family or the brightest. I know there are many people in the same situation I am with, having parents with no papers and living in the United States being immigrants. My parents didn't have much as they did when they were little, and their childhood motivates me to try harder and keep going even when life gets hard. My parents separated when I was two, and my little sister was only eight months old. I might not remember how my dad treated my mother or me, but the pain I had to watch my dad and mother go through was hard enough. I watched as my dad became more lonely and less happy and my mother in pain.
What I could remember only was the pain when I was a little girl. I felt that my parents' separation was the worst thing that could ever happen to me because as I grew up, I watched kids run up to both parents, and I wondered why I couldn't have that. Even though my step-dad came in as a father figure in my life, I was still baffled why my parents got separated. I tried to get them back together, but my father said it couldn't be possible. I cried that night because all I knew was that I wouldn't have a perfect family as other people did. The pain carried me as I grew up. I watched how hard both of my parents had to work. Even though my parents were limited to doing things, they still tried their best. As I felt this sadness, I learned to use that and instead become the best in my school. I take any opportunity that is in front of me and use it.
My parents couldn't help me much with homework or weren't home as much because they worked at night. Even though they weren't at home as much, they still made an effort to help me out. I have learned to become a better person myself. Through my parents and my own obstacles, I have learned that I am capable of doing a lot more than I thought. I have learned to become the most hardworking and independent girl. At a very young age, I had to help my mom translate or help her make a simple doctor's appointment. There were times when I had to call some places because my mother needed more help. I am the oldest daughter and the role model of this family. My parents dreamed of having a girl because I'm an honor roll student and very dependent. I have also been self-motivated at a very young age, and this carried on until I got older. When no one was there to congratulate me for getting good grades or even be there for me, I learned to become super self-motivated and encourage myself to be the best. My independence and hard work helped me get through every following year, especially my junior year.
During my junior year of high school, I was going through a lot. I decided to take six rigorous classes, study for the SAT, and get my driver's license that year. I kept on going because I was still motivated to get good grades. I wanted to be the best, and this kept me going. I also joined the tennis team this year, and it was a struggle to keep up with everything, but I never gave up. I tried my hardest, and despite all these obstacles, I was able to keep going and try my best in everything. I am very organized with what homework I have to do and what things I have to accomplish at certain times. My family has watched me become the most hardworking, independent, and motivated student and daughter. Even though I grew up without my parents being on my side and not being there when I needed them, this helped me grow tough and become the young woman I am now.