Breakthrough Love by Maggie

Breakthrough Love by Maggie - October 2019 Scholarship Essay

The main reasons why I am motivated to attend college is because I want to pursue a career in health sciences and give back to my support system for not only believing in me, but also sacrificing their time and money for my success. My parents took a great risk immigrating to America to foster a better lifestyle for my younger brother and I, and they raised us to be well-rounded individuals to have more opportunities to succeed in college and the work field. Another great motivating factor in my life has been Breakthrough Silicon Valley, a 6 year long nonprofit college and career preparation program based in the Bay Area, that I had the grand opportunity to be accepted into. They only expanded my horizons even more and encouraged me to dream bigger as I grew older. It was an opportunity full of self growth and the fondest memories that I could ever receive throughout my young adult years. I have been provided academic, social, emotional and professional support during a time when I felt discouraged for living in a low income community. Because of Breakthrough, I did not let finances get in the way of my potential. The biggest learning from Breakthrough would have to be professionalism and feeling more prepared for the work force at an early age. I am no longer insecure about my handshake or how appropriate my professional attire is, I am confident walking into any interview, and my public speaking skills have skyrocketed. Attending all of the college fairs, high school workshops and summer camps didn’t seem like much help at the time, but I realized that my creativity, leadership, courage, and love for learning sprouted and progressed immensely over the years.
These academic and professional skills are skills that I will be practicing and improving on throughout my entire college career and into the future. It is a huge benefit that I was trained by the Breakthrough staff (now considered my loving Breakthrough family) and real working business people because even as a young adult, I am already confident in networking, portraying a professional profile, and finding a career that best enhances my abilities and personality. I will be able to research my own job interviews, prepare a great resume, and keep strong relationships for future opportunities. I believe my college career will be highly successful because of everything Breakthrough has taught me. Professional skills are only one out of a million benefits I have been grateful to learn.