The Summer That Inspired Me by LaDoria

The Summer That Inspired Me by LaDoria - November 2022 Scholarship Essay

I was homeschooled starting in the 6th grade and although the intent was for it to be only my
middle school duration, it carried over into my 9th and 10th grade year due to the pandemic. We
expected some tests to assess our scholastic intelligence however we were met with an
unprepared district. The pandemic along with political agendas impeded school districts alike with
the loss of educators due to the virus and many not returning after finding more sufficient means
of income. It showed in student’s classroom behavior as well as readiness for classroom learning.
When we enrolled at Desoto H.S we were met with a new staff that was perplexed and
unenthusiastic about the approach to homeschool transfers. During enrollment, the counselors
advised they did not have a plan in place, but this continued through-out the scholastic year.
In our second semester, after demanding to see our counselor, we were told that we would have to do a
mix of recovery courses and credit by examination but as we were nearing the end of our junior
year no official plans had been set. During a summer meeting after filling a complaint with the
TEA, we also learned the school never reviewed our home school transcripts, which they realized
was powered by the same program utilized within Desoto ISD during the pandemic and staffing
shortages. However due to mandatory credit requirements to graduate with honors, I was
assigned 12 additional courses to complete mid-summer. This contained over 2500 assignments,
quizzes and tests. I dedicated each hour of my day from 7a.m to 10p.m, at times later, completing
each assignment. This was a true test of my dedication to my own success. At times the notion of
failure would insinuate into my mind, I could hear my mom’s voice stating “…at this point, you just
have to do it, if it means anything to you”.
The words she spoke sat with me replaying in my head every time I became flustered with the
daunting tasks set before me. If it means anything to me, I will just get it done. It will be worth it. I
repeated it over and over. After completing all coursework, stepping into my senior year, I feel invincible. Getting over that obstacle really inspired me to keep pushing and work harder to accomplish the things that I want.