New York by Peter

New York by Peter - December 2015 Scholarship Essay

I was scared, scared of the future and its uncertainties. The future was something that I would never see and never be able too. I could only wonder and imagine what lies ahead. To me it meant repeating the endless days where I would struggle with my family to get by. I was working whenever I could to help my family live better. But after all that it left me hopeless and scared. Life was so hard, nothing was ever looked forward to and nothing was exciting.

Growing up I quickly realized I was going to walk the same path my parents, struggling against society. Did all my effort really amount to nothing? How come even putting in twice or even three times more work than others still gives me this kind of life. We never ate fancy and never dressed good, but we worked more than anyone. As a kid, the constant struggling tore my life apart. When kids would be playing I would be working. When they would study for tests, I would be working and slipping in the few minutes I had to study.

Then SATs and college choices came along. I knew exactly what it was but also knew that my family couldn't afford it. Kids like me didn't deserve college, we could only struggle. This was the mentality I had at the time. But around my birthday, I got a reply from a college I applied to and it offered me a chance to gain an education. For the first time in my life, I could help myself become better. But then reality hit me. I was financially unable to chase a dream and escape to a better life.

My dad saw this and borrowed money from his friends to give me a chance. I felt guilty that I was giving him more trouble, but instead of sulking I promise myself that I would get a good education to help my parents ease up. I promised to chase my dream of becoming a successful pharmacist. I would be able to help my parent pay their bills and keep them healthy.

When I become a pharmacist, I will be very grateful. If I told myself this a same thing 5 years ago, I wouldn't believe it. Life was all about struggling for a kid like me. A good career in pharmacy will give me the life I have always dreamed of. Something that will make me excited to live every second of the day from start to finish. I would make sure my family never finds out how hard life can be and how hopeless life can make you feel.

But even college wasn't an easy ride. In college I would work while studying. I always found myself staying up late nights balancing my work life and school life. I applied for any scholarships I could find even though none of them ever answered my call for help. I never gave up, I knew my family gave up a lot for me and I had to make this happen.

Winning this scholarship would mean the world to me. Any help means a lot to a kid that has struggled in the last 12 years. Thanks for your time and consideration. Cheers to the future.