Nurturous Smile by Tiffany

Nurturous Smile by Tiffany - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

The nurturing smile that continuously lit up even the darkest times throughout my life. A smile that simply guided my internal drive to keep pushing. When times became increasingly difficult to navigate, his smile was my reminder of reassurance. The reliance and support of my oldest brother flourished my capabilities when pursuing academics. The smiles that repeatedly told me everything was going to be okay were foreshadowed in 2023, as news broke out that my older brother was diagnosed with Leukemia. Essentially, I grappled with learning how I can work with difficult situations, rather than drowning in my sorrows.

Furthermore, giving the chance to alleviate the stress off my parent’s shoulders implemented a sense of ease, although it was not easy. Being challenged emotionally, taking on the parent figure for my younger brother ensured that everything was going to be okay. Adapting to an organized schedule based on the needs of my younger sibling equivalently motivated me to also balance my responsibilities as a high schooler. This form of motivation gave me extra time to prepare for upcoming exams and assignments, which revealed an understanding of what family solidarity meant to me. No matter what hardships we encounter, family is a reminder of unconditional love and support.

As a result, the intersecting identities developed through my personal experiences serve as a contribution, as a means to provide a unique perspective. As a first-generation student and caretaker, I hold a combination of experiences and stories that foster knowledge and learning opportunities within a classroom. My experiences as an unrepresented member of society, provide others with the knowledge of injustices dealt by society. Juggling multiple responsibilities as a teen has enhanced my inner motivation, despite the setbacks. I believe multiple perspectives of individuals will offer me a willingness to learn from others and connect with those who share similar experiences like myself.