My "abuelo" by Julia

My "abuelo" by Julia - May 2024 Scholarship Essay

Life is a series of joys and sorrows with the benefits of profoundly learning from both. I was unfortunately affected by the experience of losing my beloved grandfather to Alzheimer's disease this past summer. With much sadness, I have witnessed this condition's relentless advancement and its toll on our family over the past five years. Eventually, the man who adored me could no longer remember my name or the connection to his family. Through my grandfather’s illness, I not only found the inspiration to pursue nursing as a college major but also gained a deep appreciation for my grandfather's strong work ethic and selfless dedication to his family.
Alzheimer's disease is a cruel and relentless torment that robs a loved one of their memories, personality, and eventually, their ability to care for themselves. Over the years, I watched as my once strong, independent, and fun-loving grandfather gradually fell victim to this horrible disease. The decline was heart-wrenching, as his memories faded, his personality changed, and his ability to perform even the simplest tasks became impossible. The anguish we all felt was immense, yet amid the despair, I found that I could live my life in a way that would honor my grandfather's legacy. As I witnessed my grandfather's struggle and saw the care and compassion given to him by my aunt, who is also a nurse, I felt a profound calling toward nursing. All the healthcare workers that helped my grandfather showed such dedication, patience, and empathy, that resonated deeply with me. I would like to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families facing health challenges, as we witnessed so many that came to the aid of our beloved grandfather, whom we all called “Tata.”
My grandfather's immigration to the United States is a story that I have been told all my life by my mother. His is the story of perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of a better life. Immigrating from Uruguay, South America, he navigated the challenges of adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life. He committed his life to becoming a part of this nation embracing its values and teaching his children and grandchildren that with hard work, all dreams are possible. His strong work ethic, instilled by the hardships he faced, shaped his character and how he approached life. Despite the trials he endured, he demonstrated a profound sense of unselfishness and an unwavering dedication to his family. He made himself and his home available to others who came from other faraway lands by welcoming them with open arms and offering any help he could. For years, he advocated for immigrants at his work and in his neighborhood to ensure that their rights and safety were protected.
My grandfather's legacy lives on in me. I will carry the lessons of selflessness, perseverance, and compassion that he embodied. I will forever remember his happy and funny ways. He was quick with a happy story or a joke and enjoyed life. He taught me how to play sports, catch fish, and love my family. I learned the power of balancing work and play by watching him. Alzheimer's may have stolen his memories, but it could not erase the impact he had on my life. Throughout my life journey, I will commit to honoring his memory by working hard to take every opportunity granted to me and to help others along the way, just as he did throughout his life.