Pushing Harder by Rachel

Pushing Harder by Rachel - October 2019 Scholarship Essay

“The women that inspire me to be honest are the women that struggle. (Cardi B.)” I believe that every experience shared with another human being brings a cause and effect. It is for this reason that I believe whole-heartedly in making my life one that expresses positivity and intentional actions and words. But when I think back to when this all started, I strongly remember my 10th grade art teacher who impacted me in that way of thinking the most. Her name was Susan and she aided me in both seeing myself as one who has potential and demands respect but she also assisted me in seeing that every life matters because every life is one with potential and one that demands respect.
Along those lines, Susan also taught me that my identity does not rely on the negative things that have been said about me or the negative terms I have been given but rather that I am who I want to be, despite what others might say or believe. She taught me to push for the things in life that I believe strongest about and to work hard for my dreams, no matter how outrageous they may be. Because of this encouragement and support, I studied hard in high school and made it on the Dean’s List. Because of her, I am a hard-working, never giving up, always believing in myself and others type of person and I will always have her to thank for who I am.
It is because of women like her that there is the dramatic influence of strong, independent people today. I have learned from her that sometimes, it is small roles that make the biggest impact. My art teacher, Susan, will always have a special place in my heart for not letting me take the easy way out and for shaping me into the loving and respectful person that I am today. I want the world to know that anyone can be an impact if they believe in themselves and in other people as much as Susan believed in me.