Every Moment Matters by Nabila

Every Moment Matters by Nabila - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

I have been fortunate enough to have called two women my mother: the woman who gave birth to me and my grandmother. My grandmother, Meharbanu, was the strongest woman I knew, as she provided for seven children alone. She moved in with us when I was little, and we built a special bond. I felt so comfortable sharing every piece of my life with her because she believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. During my senior year, my grandmother passed away due to many health conditions. The hardest thing I’ve had to do is let go and learn how to live life without her. When she left, I cried every day for months; it felt like my world was ending. But what broke me most was seeing my mother lose her mother and slowly fade into grief. Seeing her in that pain was my breaking point. Since then, we’ve tried bringing light back into her life, reminding her that everything happens for a reason. If I could give my past self a piece of advice, it would be to cherish every moment, even the small ones. I would do anything to go back and put my phone down to sit with her for five more minutes. I would put my full attention to her to make sure she feels seen and heard. These moments may seem small, but looking back these are memories you will cherish even after they are no longer with you. Her strength lies in both of us, and even if she’s not with us physically, I know she's watching over us. All I want is to make her proud.