The Moment by Loren

The Moment by Loren - August 2023 Scholarship Essay

The biggest and proudest moment in my education is finishing school. I got decent grades but that came with working really hard, studying, and not being the fun kid that had a social life outside of lunch break. It wasn't always like this for me but one conversation I had really changed my thoughts at what I could succeed in my life. My grandma who was married by the age of sixteen, had two kids by the time she was eighteen, didn't graduate, and honestly lived in poverty most of her life gave me this life changing advice. I remember the moment my grandmother said don't let the loss and turmoil around you hold you from your goals. Seems simple enough but this was a pivotal moment for me, she inspired me to be different. To want more, and to work hard so I can provide myself a life with less struggle.

To explain this moment, it's important to know the background of my family My mother was not a high school graduate and my father barely graduated as they had my older brother at a very young age. We are generations of women who were either dragged from school to work, married young, or fell pregnant. To be a self-supporting or successful woman was not something that was really known in our family. I wanted to change that tide. My first step was to graduate.

During the time I was in school I faced many trials, but the important thing is I didn't let them excuse me from my goals. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed before she could see the first woman in generations to graduate. I remember holding that diploma in my hand knowing I worked hard despite the losses, the challenges I faced in school, and hoping to inspire others in my family to do the same. That moment I felt like change was possible and I could achieve what I put my mind to. That moment I know I made her proud and all the women who came before me. Now I'm putting in the work to make sure I succeed.

I would just like to thank you for your time.