I Am Not Complacent by Melissa

I Am Not Complacent by Melissa - December 2014 Scholarship Essay

My family and I are first generation immigrants. We are originally from a small border town in Mexico named Piedras Negras where I encountered poverty and conformism. Lack of dreams and lack of effort, lack of determination and lack of generosity are manifested through the streets. Houses are half-way built, colonies do not have paved streets, and people do not finish their high school career.

I have a friend who was forced to withdraw from high school to work and sustain his family. His father abandoned them at an early age and he was left as the head of the house and only provider. He works in a little food stall where he earns just the right amount of money to buy just the necessary. His transportation method is his rusted bicycle. His mother obtains a few dollars a day by ironing clothes. I admire my friend's efforts and hard-work, but I have noticed that he has become complacent with his current situation. He is an independent responsible young adult with the determination and capacity to accomplish his goals. He is very closed-minded and has a short vision. Several of my friends and I have encouraged him to finish his education, but he neglects to finish. “I earn enough money where I work, and get weekends off” is his answer.

My father comes from a humble family. He was raised among six brothers and sisters; soup and beans were the everyday meal that could be afford. My father, like my friend began working at an early age. He, on the other hand, decided to attend college. He divided his 24 hours into a million tasks. He took care of his father during his illness, worked to pay tuition, attended college, and was in charge of the house. My father’s testimony has inspired and taught me to strive for the best. My father’s goal was to become an accountant and he succeeded. Even though now we moved to the United States his diploma is not valid due to the lack of language he is still convinced it was worth the sleepless nights and agonizing stress.

My father’s education has allowed my family to live a better life. Even though he does not work in his area of study his vision has widened. His goals are higher, his knowledge has increased, and his will has magnified. Education, as it has always been said, opens doors. Education is a tool to achieve dreams. Everyone has dreams I have a dream. I have a dream to study abroad. I have a dream that one day I will step up the stage to receive my graduate diploma. I have a dream that I will obtain a great job. I have a dream that with my income I will be able to help poor families like my friend’s. I have a dream to make my parents proud. To attain my dreams, I must receive and education. I am on my way, I am currently at the University of Texas at San Antonio shaping my determination and will. I am not complacent and I will strive for more. "Enough" is not a stop sign, it is a "Move forward" indication.Education opens the horizons, I am certain.