My Developmental Milestone by Reem

Reem's entry into Varsity Tutor's February 2024 scholarship contest

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My Developmental Milestone by Reem - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

I unfastened my seatbelt, stealing a quick look out the window as we landed. I felt overwhelmed like a lost six year-old looking for her mom as the crowd rushed to exit the airport. Everything around me was extraordinary—the people, the greenery outside, even the taste of water from the drinking fountain. My old life in Egypt was far behind me and a new life suddenly arose like a mountain. Exactly three days later, I was packing my bags for the 6th grade camping trip.
It was an unforgettable experience for an introverted Egyptian immigrant to join a three-night camping trip after just arriving in the US. My excitement and fear were inseparable. I only saw uncertainty in the eyes of other campers as we exchanged glances. With no sense of belonging, the thought of talking to my classmates seemed impossible. During group bonding activities in the cabin, I experienced the highs of hearing, “Yes, please join us” to the lows of, “Sorry, we already have a complete team.” In search of friends while participating during discussions, I still felt something was missing. I was an outlier witnessing reality, not a part of it. My parents’ decision to move to this place lingered in the air.
The first morning of camp, we hiked trails, eventually arriving at a lake where we tested water quality. Students were partnered with a mentor and I was the student without one. So I was that kid matched with the teacher, like an outsider. I had learned about water quality in Egypt, so I quickly translated the physical and chemical properties of the water tested into English. I explained the physical features I observed: color; turbidity and dissolved oxygen. I was filled with validation as I contributed my knowledge and communicated in English. As I shared my knowledge, I heard my parents' words and wondered if education would lead to opportunity in my new home.
After returning from camp, Geometry became my worst enemy. I spent hours with my teacher learning and practicing but I would blankly nod during class. I remember proving congruent angles for my test the next day and my teacher helped me cool my anxiety which allowed me to earn a grade that reflected my hard work. The resilience that I nurtured showed me that my self doubt in English was not strong enough to prevent me from succeeding in school even through the hardest subject.
My academic skills gradually improved as I ended middle school and I felt the urge to do more as a high school student. That’s when I found an unusual passion for sports. My interest for tennis was sparked after attending a match and observing team spirit. The way the players cheered each other on from the sidelines and high-fived one another at the end of each match was inspiring. The coach approached me and said no experience was necessary to join, I only needed team spirit. I was invited to join practice the following day. Afterward, I didn’t hesitate to join Randolph's tennis team. I yelled, “One, Two, Three, COUGARS, Four, Five Six, TENNIS,” with my teammates.
I’ve learned that embracing change by putting myself forward was the key to my success. I take pride in what change delivered: fluency in English, new friends, belonging to a new community, and most importantly, learning from new experiences. Despite leaving my home in Egypt for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City, my feelings of happiness and hope have persisted.
I would have never believed I could succeed in that first challenge of moving to America. Now, I look into my parents’ eyes and proudly assure them that their hard work seeking the American Dream paid off. Years later, I have come to understand my mother’s advice, “مفيش حاجة هنخسرها، لاكن كل حاجة هنكسبها.” There is nothing to lose but everything to gain.

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