Alternative Lifestyle by Savanna-Almaria

Alternative Lifestyle by Savanna-Almaria - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

My family has always been part of the lower class. I grew up with a single mother who struggled to even make ends meet. My mom couldn’t afford her own home so we lived in a crowded house with 10 people in it and I shared a room with my mom and brother for 16 years.
When I finally got my own room, my mom and her boyfriend could not afford the rent so we got evicted downsizing to where I live now. I had to convert the living room into my own bedroom space, not really having a choice. My whole life I have always settled the bare minimum and never lived a life but always tried surviving one. I had to suffer the consequences because my parents couldn’t stay motivated and focused on their own academic goals.
I want to pursue all my academic goals and careers that I set my mind to because I don’t want my future family or self to suffer the way I have in the past and now financially. I don’t want any of my family members to live in a space they have to settle for but are in an uncomfortable situation like I am. My little cousins stay in an unhealthy and unstable household to the point where I no longer am able to see them.
I stay focused because I want to get out of my current situation of living in the living room while my mom and brother have their own room. I stay focused because I want to get my little cousins out of their situation and provide them with something drastically better. I am extremely grateful for having some type of shelter but I believe in not settling for bare minimum, which is why wanting a better alternative lifestyle keeps me motivated.