College Is Necessary for stable employment by malcolm

College Is Necessary for stable employment by malcolm - June 2013 Scholarship Essay

 
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Attending college has always been a way of life for me and as an African American male, I certainly do not  see another option but going to college. When I was in high school and elementary school, there were not that many teachers or counselors who insisted that we take college preparatory courses.  My mother who is from a third world country (Belize) came to this country to seek a better life through education.  She has done so and now works as a community college counselor.  I recall a conversation when I was in the eight -grade, telling the boys on my basketball team that my Mom worked at the local community college.  One of the Instructors from the college, whose son played basketball, said “no your mom don’t work at the college, if she did I would know it”.  Unfortunately he didn’t know who my mother was but my mother knew him from serving on different committees on the campus.  They had a discussion and he apologized.  I felt that he believed that I couldn’t possible have a mother with a master’s degree like he had.  I took a lot away from this awkward conversation including the reaffirmation and tenacity for attending school.  He made me realize that your words can say a lot but your action in completing school says more. I have worked hard in school and will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles in the fall of 2013.  When I was in High School, there were only few of the teachings that highlighted the spirits and the progress of African Americans.  I saw the plight and the difficulties that some of my own friends experienced when I attended high school.  After high school I enrolled at Fresno City College, where I took several African American studies classes.  I remember reading a lot and studying a lot because these topics and the accomplishments of African Americans were so significant and it impacted me in a very positive way.  My teacher Mr. Kehinde Solwazi, has a great big library of books and they were mostly about African Americans.  He was so proud to tell his class that he read so many books and in fact he was quite versed on the times, trial, tribulations and the accomplishments of Blacks. After completing my first semester and getting straight "A's, I knew with no uncertainty that I would be able to complete college.
        I have a sound math background and as long as I could recall I was always helping others with math.  In my 6th grade class when my friends struggled in math, I was there to help them and explain the math problem. It was no different in junior high and high school.  I remember being on the math competition team for my junior high school.  I learned a lot and knew that eventually I would do something in math, science and engineering.  I felt a sense of responsibility when the other students in my class did not do well on their math test.  So I was always helping in the classroom and tutoring them no matter where we were or how long it took.  When I left FCC, I enrolled in College of the Sequoias, and was asked to become a math tutor for the athletic department.  I was able to use my math skills to tutor others and get them to the next level be it transferring to a four year institution or completing their AA degree.
        As you can see from my academic background I am a well-rounded student with a strong GPA and was one of few applicants that were admitted to UCLA for the fall 2013.  I have always taken care of my academics and I will continue to do so when I begin UCLA in the fall.  I like other students have been admitted to UCLA but not really sure how I will be able to pay for it.  The word scholarship denotes a person who has worked hard, is a scholar and will continue to work hard.  This scholarship will contribute to my educational pursuit and completing my degree as a medical doctor.  This scholarship will recognize me as one of their recipient that has given due diligence, tenacity and belief that I can compete in the academic world and do well.  As you review my transcripts, you will see that my grades and community service reflects a commitment to school, the community and my fellow students.