Empowering through education by Serena

Empowering through education by Serena - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Title: Empowering Through Education: A Step Towards My Passion

Growing up, I was always fascinated by my father’s stories of the bustling Italian restaurant my grandfather opened. Every anecdote, whether of the kitchen's frenzied symphony or meeting diverse people, was more intriguing than the last. However, immersed in the allure of the restaurant, its charm overpowered everything else for my father. School became secondary as work rapidly consumed his life, subsequently leading to a decision that steered the course of his life: why pursue college, when he had a world he loved?

Fast forward thirty years, this decision reflects as his deepest regret. The five-day works weeks, eleven-hour shifts, and working through holidays took a toll. The choice he surrendered resonates with me deeply today. Every day, as I stand at the crossroads of deciding whether to follow his footsteps into the enticing world of work or stepping into college, I lean towards the latter.

Why is college important to me? It is my chosen pathway towards passion and empowerment. I am Serena Coppola, a rising senior, and a dedicated nursing aspirant with a High School GPA of 3.5. As I navigate the final year of my high school, I am excited about the possibility of immersing myself into robust nursing programs at institutions like the University of Rhode Island, University of Delaware, or West Chester University.

Why Nursing? The thrill of solving puzzles, the need for human connection, and the urgency of making myself useful guides my academic and professional plans. The choice of being a nurse, hence, is my way of addressing these urges. But I understand that nursing is more than just a profession; it requires a blend of knowledge, empathy, resilience, and patience.

To cultivate these qualities, I firmly believe that a comprehensive college education will help me lay a robust foundation for my nursing career. The multi-cultural student community and varied perspectives on college campuses further enrich this learning journey. The prospect of not just learning nursing but also absorbing life lessons from individuals hailing from different backgrounds is particularly riveting. Therefore, I am committed to leveraging the opportunities a college education offers to tap into my potential fully and contribute positively to society.

My father’s regret is my motivation. His story instilled in me the understanding that wisdom is not synonymous with age, but experiences. Here, in the narrative of his life, lies the lesson: seize opportunities for education today for they lay the foundation of our tomorrow. Hence, to me, college resonates as an investment in my future, an opportunity to pursue my passion, and a platform to contribute positively. I am prepared and excited to embrace the challenges, growth, and opportunities it brings along.