Lessons Learned From Adversity by Raneen

Lessons Learned From Adversity by Raneen - May 2022 Scholarship Essay

When I completed my freshman year, my mother told me to change schools because we were moving an hour away for low-income housing. Rent has been an obstacle for us ever since we immigrated to the U.S. The reason being, my single mother had only been allowed to complete the 6th grade in Iraq. With that level of education, she had to work low-paying jobs to support my family of five. I knew the move would lessen the burden of rent; however, I did not want to change schools because I had formed a great connection with my peers, friends, teammates, clubmates, and teachers. El Cajon Valley High was critical for my survival. The school is made up of 90% immigrants. As an Iraqi immigrant, it was the first time I felt at home in this unfamiliar country. I finally had people who literally spoke my native language: Chaldean. Having a mother with only a 6th-grade education, I needed the support of those who understood the refugee community when preparing for college as a first-generation student. I felt distraught at the thought of having to cut off these ties.

I chose to not abandon these connections and instead go the extra mile for them. I researched ways to commute. In order to arrive on time for school, I had to wake up at 4:30 to catch the 5 AM bus. It was a 2-hour commute each way. This transition in my life altered everything. I used to be a straight-A student, but all that changed. The long commute gave me less quality time to study. My grades began to drop. I had to learn that it was okay to ask for help. Thankfully, my teachers were understanding of my situation and allowed me the extra time to succeed.

The most significant thing that I learned from this experience was grit. I learned to persevere and become resilient. I developed strong problem-solving skills and tenacity. I learned to organize my work. I set priorities. As an active student, I participated in many extracurricular activities as well as my academics, so I had to learn balance. I had to find ways to make things work. I learned that obstacles may slow me, but they can’t stop me.

These lessons will aid me in my transition to college. As a college student, I will be independent, responsible for not only my academics, but also my housing, finances, and transportation. These are first-time challenges for me, but I know how to ask for help and search for solutions. I am ready for college; I hope that college is ready for me.