I Am an Honors Student by Summer

I Am an Honors Student by Summer - December 2014 Scholarship Essay

For as long as I can remember, I have loved education. The summer before I began high school, my family moved from a small town in Oregon to Phoenix. I had grown up insulated in a community with other Native Americans. My coursework was entirely average, except for having jumped ahead a year in math. School came easily for me and I was surrounded by friends and family. I was terrified that life would become more strenuous the moment high school started. I felt intimidated by being different in a new city where I knew only my parents and brother. It seemed everyone else in my high school had grown up together.

As I met new people and focused on my studies, I went through freshman year with ease. I felt incredibly relieved. In my second semester of Chemistry-Physics, our teacher, Mr. Quinn, approached me. He told me I was doing exceedingly well in his class. and that I needed to register for Honors Biology. At that point, honors courses had not crossed my mind. I was hesitant; I did not want to fail or disappoint myself. I especially did not want to disappoint my parents as they were so proud that I was succeeding. All of these doubts ran through my mind. Sensing this, Mr. Quinn asked me to look around the classroom. Few students were working and many were creating a distraction. I turned my attention back to Mr. Quinn. He told me that in an honors class I would be in a class filled with others who cared about their education. He assured me that he was confident I would enjoy taking an honors course and he soon convinced me to have my parents sign the honors registration paperwork.

Mr. Quinn was right. By sophomore year, I realized that I belonged in an honors classroom. It opened my eyes to a vision of excelling in college and beyond.

A common stereotype of Native Americans is that we do not value education and tend to look for the easy path. Whenever someone doubts my ability to succeed, I take it as a challenge to prove them wrong.

Another stereotype faced by Native Americans is that we are quiet because we are disinterested. I am quiet in class because I understand the importance of respecting a teacher. I used to be concerned that teachers confuse with my quietness with indifference. I now see the value in both approaches and am more comfortable speaking up and seeking help when I am in a class with other motivated students.

My upbringing and my personality may not be typical of most honors students but I will do all I can to prove that I am an honors student.

Mr. Quinn never had a doubt, and now, neither do I.