Embodiment of Resilience – A Tribute to my Mother by Moriah

Embodiment of Resilience – A Tribute to my Mother by Moriah - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Growing up in humble beginnings, I, Moriah Mosley, have always held my mother like a touchstone in life. Her story of exemplary tenacity is the propeller which thrusts me forward into the vast sea of academia. As a rising freshman studying Elementary Education at Howard University, the enduring struggles faced by my mother and her never-say-die attitude are the driving inspirations towards realizing my academic aspirations. This essay sheds light upon the intense drive fueled by my mother's experiences, their influence on my current and future endeavors, and how I continue to cultivate a zealous spirit in the pursuit of educational excellence.

What truly motivates me towards my academic pursuits is the indomitable spirit that resides in the form of my incredible mother. Her triumph against all odds, despite her severe health issues involving a brain bleed and a meager one percent chance of survival, stands as a testimony to her strength and unwavering will. Witnessing her courage and resilience, despite such daunting challenges, has infused me with a profound impetus to exploit every given opportunity and to thrive in my academic field with dedicated fervor and resilience.

Right from my childhood, my mother has been the personification of ardent perseverance. Her journey, marred by pain, suffering and, against all odds, victory, stenciled a footprint for myself to follow – one that embraces the paradox of life with a brave, ready-for-everything attitude. This imbued sense of resilience propels me every day to strive for excellence in my pursuit of becoming a successful educator. I aim to recreate my mother's unwavering integrity, persistence, and a never-give-up attitude in my students, using education as a medium.

Concentration is a crucial element when it comes to achieving academic goals, especially one as demanding as Elementary Education. I keep my sight fixed on the habitat that lies ahead, envisioning the countless lives I could positively impact through nurturing the minds of youth. This realization fuels my determination and makes dealing with the rigorous demands of the education major manageable. I religiously adhere to a study routine, constantly trying to stay on top of my academic responsibilities and commitments. My desire to become the best version of myself, academically and personally, ensures that distractions lose battle to the stronger force of willpower and perseverance.

Being a woman of color, and aspiring teacher, I have been graciously bestowed with the responsibility and the golden opportunity to serve as a role model to other black and African American women, and to reinforce the fact that countless hurdles and adversities can be conquered with determination and unwavering support. Through my journey in the sphere of academia, I aim to inspire others, just as I am inspired by my mother's survival journey, illustrating a vivid living example of strength to my future students, and educating them about the power of perseverance.

In conclusion, my unshakeable affinity to achieve my academic goals is driven by my mother's fighting spirit, the inspiration that I derive from her invincible resilience, and by an ingrained aspiration to impart quality education to the youth of America. By producing a productive studying habit and focusing on the broader impacts of my journey, I've managed to remain undeterred in my pursuit of academic success. Striving for this scholarship aids my goal to nourish my commitment to education and to continue carrying the beacon of resilience, influence and achievement, lit by my mother's struggles, to inspire generations of students.