Every obstacle is an opportunity by Sofia

Every obstacle is an opportunity by Sofia - June 2016 Scholarship Essay

As the first-born child of immigrant parents, I had to navigate the American college application process without my parents’ help. My As the first-born child of immigrant parents, I had to navigate the American college application process without my parents’ help. My mother did not attend college, and my father pursued his undergraduate degree in Argentina. Having moved to the US from Argentina in their 40s, my parents were entirely unfamiliar with the complicated and challenging process. As a shy and awkward 16-year-old dealing with insecurities of my own, I sought out people to talk to—college counselors, current students at universities I was applying to—and little by little I began to understand the details of the American college experience. Although still in high school, I began to realize the importance of being proactive and staying motivated to overcome these challenges.

I did the same once I arrived at college: I took every opportunity to speak with professors, classmates, and alumni who could offer me a new perspective and a word of advice. Many of these mentors opened my eyes to available scholarships, study abroad opportunities, and fellowships, such as Fulbright, each of which reinforced my desire to study law. In the Spring of 2014, I was the first person in my family to graduate from an American university. I graduated cum laude with a double major in Sociology (with Honors) and International Studies, and with a minor in Business Institutions. This fall, I will be the first person in my family to attend graduate school.

For first-generation immigrants like me, we often have to work twice as hard to succeed. Part of it can be due to language barriers; for example, when I arrived to the US during elementary school, I did not speak a word of English. This meant I had to attend ESL (English as a Second Language) classes while attending school in order to catch up to my classmates.

Despite these challenges growing up, I stayed motivated and continuously looked for ways to challenge myself academically. Growing up bilingual, I have learned to appreciate and value multiculturalism and cross-border communication. I am a native Spanish and English speaker, I have advanced proficiency in French and Portuguese, and an intermediate level of Italian. My languages not only broaden the base of people I can work and communicate with, but also allow insight into different cultures at a deeper level—a crucial element in the field of international law.

Throughout my time as an undergraduate and the two years following graduation, I have also sought out opportunities to become engaged in my community and contribute in a meaningful way, whether by volunteering or taking on leadership positions at my university. I hope to do the same during law school and I am committed to becoming the best attorney I can be. Through the obstacles I have overcome- particularly academic and social obstacles- I have learned that every challenge is an opportunity to become a stronger and more dedicated student and professional.