First Time on My Own by Kevin

First Time on My Own by Kevin - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

It was my sophomore year of high school. My honors geometry teacher, Mrs. Stossel, nominated my to the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. I was exhilarated to receive this honor. I have a small passion for the medical field. This program would open a new world full of opportunities for me. I had to take it.

My parents were the first obstacle that I had to overcome. The tuition was quite expensive so they were hesitant. I convinced them that this was a chance for me to get to figure out what I wanted to with my future. It was risky because they were also paying tuition for my little brother and I to be in school. When they decided to let me go, it proved that they believed in me. During the next couple months, they worked longer days trying to save up for this program. My parents work at a nail salon. Normally they work about eight hours a day, but during the couple of months, they worked up to twelve hours. By the the time of the due date of the tuition, they had paid for it. It was then my turn to begin the application process.

The application process took me about an hour and a half to complete. They ask questions from courses taken to community involvement. After completing the application, I had to book my own flights to and back from Los Angeles, California. It was my first time taking on these responsibilities. The program also gave me an assignment of getting five references to do a questionnaire that was confidential to me. Once that was all done, I had to pack a the necessary items for the trip. Now that things were done at home, I had to get things straightened out at school. I had to get the schools permission to be missing for a week. For this to be possible, I had to have high grades and all of my teachers' approval along with my counselor and vice principal, the dean of students. With my teachers, I had to discuss about the lessons and assignments that I would miss. Also, I had to reschedule any missed tests or quizzes.

The day of the trip came. My parents dropped me off at the airport. I was the first time I would travel on my own. It was also the first time I navigated through the airport without any guidance. I was scared. It was a time I grew up. After landing on the flight and dealing with the confusion of finding my luggage, I was picked up by a representative from the program. On the bus, there were students from all over the states. I was excited to meet everyone. The next couple days we stayed at a four and a half star hotel and the program was hosted at the University of California Los Angeles. We had to dress and behave professionally at all times. We got lectures from some of the best doctors and surgeons, tour hospitals, and participate in practical workshops.

In all, this experience has helped me grow so much. I represented my school to the best of my ability. I was exposed to professionalism and learned how it would help me. I learned how to handle things on my own. I was able to work with students from all over the states and even out of the country. I am grateful for all those who have supported me and believed in me.