The One School Accomplishment of Which I'm Most Proud by Orian

The One School Accomplishment of Which I'm Most Proud by Orian - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

The school accomplishment of which I’m most proud is remaining on the honor while, despite attending three different high schools. Divorce was very devastating for me and I had to learn how to survive in different environments. The most difficult part of that as a high school student was learning to survive the communities I’ve lived in that were plagued with poverty, gun violence, and poor academic institutions in the inner city. I could not have survived this far alone. Although I put in the work, I experienced how the presence of support can make a difference in my educational attainment.
When I move to Chicago, I had no idea my parents divorced and my dad was no longer going to live with me. When my dad became sick during the beginning of my sophomore year and I needed to move to Missouri to help him. This move required me to transfer from Johnson College Prep High School in Chicago, Illinois to enroll at Normandy High School in St. Louis, Missouri. This was right during the time race relations were heightened with the death Michael Brown who has graduated from the school I was not attending. At that time, my father did not live in a good school district and my opportunities were limited. The teachers at that school helped to connect mw with classes that would challenge me academically but the school was in trouble, soon to lose its accreditation.
I had hopes of a solid education when my moved me to East Madison High School in Madison, Wisconsin for his job which was in a better community. It was there, I was able to participate in various extracurricular activities and enroll in higher level educational classes. Instead of seeing fights at school and not having a safe outlet, I could now grow as a student. The teachers encouraged me to experience things I never have and I was able to take honors classes and job clubs at school. One my dad's health improved, I was able to transfer back to Johnson College Prep High School to finish where I began my high school career. I should have been excited to move back with my mom but that meant starting over again and facing what would be a new academic goal.
Going back to my first school may seem like a great opportunity academically but once again leaving meant I wouldn’t really have the opportunity to maintain friendships because of the constant moves. Yes, I survived, but did not have the sense connectedness I longed for. If it were not for my parents, teachers and counselors to help me along the way, I would not have been able to make it. Every teen wants to be accepted and have a sense of belonging.
Although the last four years of my life I’ve been to three different high schools, I’ve continued to be on the honor roll every year. The constant moves put me at risk for not being able to have my basic need of acceptance be met but thank goodness for those who knew my transition was hard. Various teaches connect me to clubs and academic groups to make each transition easier. Currently have a 3.7 G.P.A. and have the discipline needed to perform academically because the supports in my life continued to challenge me to succeed and help me grow. While being a good student may seem common to some, it is my most proud accomplishment because I overcame in the face of adversity.