An Attitude of Gratitude by Thias

An Attitude of Gratitude by Thias - November 2016 Scholarship Essay

Where should I begin? My name is Thias Fritz. I’m a 16-year-old high school student living in an inner-ring suburb of Cleveland, OH. During my senior year I have been fortunate to forego the traditional high school curriculum and jump right into college classes through a local community college. This experience has given me a sneak preview into what college has to offer.

My little sister and I were raised in a loving home. Our parents have been happily married for 19 years. We’re a middle class family with strong values and morals. I guess the one thing I appreciate the most about the opportunity to go to college is that I will be preparing myself to step into a career that will be a labor of love. My parents have worked hard to get me to where I am. I’ve seen my mother work long hours cleaning the homes of wealthy families. I’ve seen my father leave early in the morning and return late in the evening from a job that he has never enjoyed. I earnestly appreciate their efforts. They have positioned me for a bright future—brighter than the one that they, themselves have experienced.
I am grateful to know that my time spent in college will one day allow me to spend my life earning a comfortable living. It will give me the opportunity to find employment in a career field I am passionate about. The prospect of doing what I love for a living is something that makes me exceedingly thankful. This is the greatest country in the world, and I will be fortunate enough to live the American dream—go to college, get a good job, raise a family, and be a productive, contributing member of society.