How My Education Has Shaped Who I Am Today: Kelci Lee by Kelci

How My Education Has Shaped Who I Am Today: Kelci Lee by Kelci - December 2014 Scholarship Essay

I am Kelci Lee. I am 18, a recent high school graduate, a cancer survivor, a lot of things; one thing I am not is weak. I have battled through many things, my parents' divorce, heartbreak, but each time I have come out stronger, and a little more knowledgeable, each and every time.

Life was normal until I started 6th grade. At the age of 11, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I promptly began chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and not too long after I completed treatment and started to get better, my parents divorced. My mother married, and divorced, a second time, before I even began my first year of high school.

I'm not sure that was the toughest part of my life; high school was a nightmare. I dreaded every day, and slowly became consumed by my depression and anxiety, partially brought on by PTSD, and my struggles in school.

I watched everyone succeed, achieve, and dream while I wasted most days away, alone, at home. Chemotherapy and radiation left me with severe long-term side effects including migraines, headaches, joint pain, which kept me from going to school, having friends, doing much besides trying to treat my pain.
I missed more and more school, my school counselors became very concerned. Although, it felt like I was a problem for them, a nuisance. I was bounced from class to class, then online program to online program, then to a private school.

Most people told me I wouldn't be able to graduate on time, possibly not at all. Many suggested I get my GED, take some time off to heal before starting at a community college. No one cared, they just wanted the problem to disappear.

I gathered up all of the anger, the resentment, the hurt that had built up for years and years, and pushed myself as hard as I could to graduate, so I could say to everyone who said I wouldn't, "I graduated high school!"

My education taught me to be strong, do not let little people put you down, and never, ever give up.

Kelci Lee