Using My WIngs To Bring My Home by Sarah

Using My WIngs To Bring My Home by Sarah - July 2024 Scholarship Essay

The most important lesson I've learned this year is discovering the true meaning of 'home' to me. Home, to me, is not just a physical space but a sanctuary of security and comfort. It's the people, the surroundings, the cherished belongings, and the behaviors and personalities that make it a place where I can feel safe and happy. As I embark on my college journey, I carry this sense of home with me, a fragment of mine that brings me peace and reassurance. This lesson has profoundly impacted me and will continue to shape my actions and choices moving forward.

As a child, my mom always showed immense compassion in various ways. She took the time to help out a stranger who needed help with directions regardless of whether she barely spoke English or would buy them food if they were hungry. After they thanked my mom, we would both smile. However, I would only partially understand why she always did it. Eventually, as I got older, I asked her, and I remember she told me, "There is nothing wrong in helping out when you have the chance." she explained that she understood the feeling of needing help or support. I realized that it connected to her personally. 

These memories stuck with me; they taught me more about a situation and allowed me to interact with others. It started to become a part of my character. Witnessing my mom's acts of kindness and understanding the value of helping has taught me the importance of empathy and selflessness. The feeling of seeing a person smile or show in other ways how appreciative they were made me feel empathy and just glad that this helped someone out. The joy and fulfillment in helping others is a feeling I cherish and strive to experience more often. 

Throughout my life, I've learned to adapt to various situations, taking after my resourceful parents. They made the most of what they had, using items such as bikes and shopping carts to transport things to different places. Since we didn't have a car, my mom would use the cart to take our clothes to the laundromat and for grocery shopping. We relied on public transportation to get around, while my dad used his bike as his main mode of transportation to carry laundry, groceries, and even his work equipment.

These experiences taught me to appreciate the little things and persevere like my parents did. Collaborating with others who share the same values to make a meaningful impact and being able to rely on me while also accepting help from others has helped me to develop my skills and gain the confidence to face the future.

After documenting all the different stories that contributed to my college and life journey, I realized that all these significant parts have shaped the person I am today. I'm caring, hardworking, and passionate about what I believe in. These values, rooted in empathy and selflessness, have stayed with me and shaped me as I grew.