Relying on Faith by Timothy

Relying on Faith by Timothy - May 2026 Scholarship Essay

Three years ago, on January 1, 2023, I relied on my faith to overcome the unfortunate tragedy of losing my father, Timothy Carter. He was forty-two years old. Nobody could have predicted this disaster. This unfortunate event left an everlasting impact on me for the rest of my life. He died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. I knew my father had stents in his heart, but I did not know the magnitude of his heart condition.

The loss of my father during my senior year of high school significantly altered my college's educational path. Initially, I had envisioned attending a college far from home, but his passing prompted me to select a local technical college instead, with the goal of eventually transferring to a university. Through faith and perseverance, I was able to navigate my grief and make a decision that aligned with my long-term goals. I chose to attend Francis Marion University which is two hours and forty-five minutes from my home. This journey taught me to channel my grief into motivation, driving me to pursue my dream of becoming a computer software developer. My father’s absence has been deeply felt, especially given the expectation that he would always be present for guidance and support.

The decision to attend Francis Marion University after high school was one I made with careful consideration, and I am proud of the decision I made. I am proud of the person I have become because I know I would not have had this experience by attending Greenville Technical College. As a junior in Honors College, I have excelled academically, being on the Dean's List each semester. I am independent and making decisions that will impact my future. With God's strength, I have been able to thrive in college, forming lasting bonds with peers and professors. I volunteer with two non-profit organizations, Reaching Our Youth and The Marquis Foundation.

I frequently reflect on my father and the profound sense of loss his absence has left in my life. Engaging in conversations with his family members is a challenge due to my uncertainty about how to express myself. This difficulty is something I am working through, and I am hopeful that with time, I will find the right words to communicate with them effectively whenever the opportunity arises.

The passing of numerous family members on my father's side has been significant, including both paternal grandparents, five uncles, and a cousin who tragically lost his life to an unsolved murder five years ago. The tradition of gatherings on my father's side during the holidays was amazing. Now, family gatherings rarely occur because my family is grieving the loss of all our deceased family members. I love my family and I have faith that with time God will allow us to heal and strengthen our family bond.

Dealing with the passing of my father and paternal family members is a significant challenge. However, I am determined to heal and draw strength from my faith to overcome the loss of pivotal people in my life. My priorities include focusing on personal growth, academic achievements, family, friendships, and community service. Achieving a degree in Computer Science is vital for my future, and I am committed to making it a reality. Fueled by determination and driven by a passion for learning, I will succeed.