One Mind at a Time by Maria

One Mind at a Time by Maria - June 2017 Scholarship Essay

My favorite word was “animal” when I was six years old. The moment my first grade teacher, Ms. Mosby, taught me how to spell it, I instantly fell in love with the very idea of learning. I wanted to grow up to be just like Ms. Mosby, a teacher. Since then, school has always been my top priorities. I love researching and figuring out my own interpretations of answers. Additionally, I am not the 1st generation in my family to go college but I will be the first in my family to receive a PHD. I am a very aggressive studious student when it comes to improving and achieving not only the best scores but to learn as much as possible. I, as a student of color and a member of this society, had been known to always ask questions and to always speak up when I needed to, especially when it comes to showing my potential in and out of the classroom. Throughout my whole life I knew I had a certain knack for communication and dealing with different types of people. I’ve always been socially involved from being a student ambassador at my high school to working as a Peer Advocate here at SDCC for the last year and half. I feel like I can help better the world one mind at a time. That is why I know my heart, mind, and soul has chosen this amazing community based program to be a part of my route to further success.

My educational plans begin with graduating from San Diego City College with associates in English and Psychology with a certificate in Mental Health Work. Then, transfer to either SDSU or Alliant University for their fast track master’s program in TOEFL to work abroad and a teaching credential to work here. I hope to be able to teach English in countries like Japan or South Korea. After this, I plan on working towards my PHD in Educational Psychology. Then, come back here and unleash all the culture and knowledge that I will have absorbed from those future experiences. In addition, I would like to add that growing up I was always interested in studying business but because of my community involvement and continuously learning about myself I realized that my true passion is being able to create mindful value in our cruel world. I believe that with a little patience, understanding, and ultimately love I can heal one mind at a time. That is why I have chosen to study and work in the fields of education and psychology.
I have attended San Diego City College for the past three years and it was eye opening. I am most grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. I was a part of the PSI Beta Psychology Club here on campus and this club not only was educational but very rewarding because of our volunteer expeditions. One memorable volunteer trip was a very humbling incredible orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico named “Vida Joven”. This experience was unforgettable because I was able to collaborate with my fellow club members in creating fun reading and writing activities and just hang out with all of those beautiful children. Also, when I took Chicano Studies helped out at our motivational SDCC Social Justice Event. I was even a part of a Border Patrol Brutality group project that was televised with a group of my classmates my class. These two opportunities brought a lot of strength to my spirit and gave me more of a sense of pride in myself. In addition, I currently work as a Peer Advocate for First Year Services here at SDCC which gives me experience working with all ages of students. I have to say this job not only bestowed in me a real sense of responsibility but also, patience, and organization because I am responsible for over 30+ students as part of my cohort and helping walk-in students in our computer lab every day. Giving back to my community is very important to me because I believe in the end all we have is each other and what we absorb from one another.
I strongly believe blessings and good things come to those who dedicate themselves and strive to continuously grow as a person. Like everyone else, we will always have room to develop mentally, so I know with the help of this scholarship I will have the much needed opportunity to continue my journey to greatness.
In conclusion, I know because of my mindset, my love of education, and my spirited determination I will, whole heartedly, put this scholarship money into full use. I see this money as a ticket to my educational dreams, finally, coming true. I believe in order to help heal the world, we must, first, heal its people one mind at a time. To have the honor of receiving this scholarship will further remind me that hard work is almost always rewarded when it has been done with genuine intentions. Just so you know, even if I am not chosen to receive this scholarship, I will continue to grow mentally and keep on working to accomplish my goals. Thank-you so much for taking your time to consider me.