The Other Me by Maria

The Other Me by Maria - November 2017 Scholarship Essay

My whole life I have been dependent on my family and have never really tried to do something on my own. Because my parents always made it clear that I would have to study in a place near home, I never really bothered doing things for myself. I figured I would always have someone by my side, guiding me through difficult moments. Studying abroad, however, would make me work harder in order to achieve my goals, make my own decisions, and do things for myself.
Throughout my school years I have never really worked hard because there was always someone I could count on. I believe that with studying abroad I will work harder towards my education because I will actually have to work for what I want. At home, I can always ask someone for help yet if I’m away from people I know I will be able to do things for myself. I will have to go out and ask others for help instead of expecting someone to do so for me.
Every decision I make is decided by my family. The way I think, the way I am, and many other things come from the way my family is. We share the same views and often agree with each other even when we have different opinions. If I am away from my family for some time, I will be able to make my own decisions and have my own ideas. I will have the opportunity to chose the career path that is right for me, instead of wasting my time in a career I am not interested in.
I believe that if I learn how to do things for myself, I will be better prepared. I have become so dependent on others helping me that sometimes helping others can be difficult for me. I know I have to help others because that is how I was brought up, but at the time of helping others, I don’t know what to do. Studying abroad would, in a way, force me to learn how to do things not only for myself but for others. If I want to help others through my career, than I have to learn how to help myself.
Studying abroad is not something I think of often, yet I believe it will help me achieve my goals. I often take my education for granted because I am dependent on others yet if I am alone, I will become grateful for what I have and work harder in order to get a degree and have the opportunity to help people. I believe education is important yet I won’t get anywhere if I don’t do things on my own.