A Plant's Struggles by Vy

A Plant's Struggles by Vy - November 2023 Scholarship Essay

Throughout a plant’s life, there are many uncontrollable hurdles it overcomes to produce a beautiful, lively flower. For example, excessive sunlight creates cracks within the soil preventing it from taking in its necessary nutrients. Lack of water inhibits growth and energy production, something an organism cannot live without. In my life, I am represented as a plant whose life started off with a storm that allowed me to find myself and continue growing amidst the storms that would frequent my life.

Four months after I was born, my dad got diagnosed with a brain tumor. The tumor affected his speech and mobility, lowering his ability to interact with people, especially his wife and only child. He passed away two years later, causing a period of grief and agony in our household. However, with others’ assistance, it subsided. The storm’s harsh rain slowly turned into a drizzle as friends and family provided comfort; they showered my mom and I with love and gave their sentiment to help us overcome this grief. Yellow rays started to peek through the dark clouds, and I began to grow and flourish.

Plants grow as a stem appears and lengthens throughout time. While I was growing up, many people would ask me what I remember of my dad. Truthfully, I don’t remember much, but the one thing vividly depicted in my mind when I think of him was his shower chair. He was dependent on the gray seat. Without it, he couldn’t complete a daily task that many could do independently without much assistance. Witnessing how much the chair aided him made me want to pursue biomedical engineering: a career where I’d construct different technological innovations that can greatly help people perform daily tasks, similar to what my dad was reliant on.

As a result of his passing, my mom and I began to connect on a deeper level to fill the missing void of my father. In a way, he deepened our connection beyond sharing DNA. Our roots intertwined. His passing gave me a new perspective on life and allowed me to find my interest in the medical field. Through this newfound interest, I attended a health educational research program at Virginia Commonwealth University where I learned about disparities in healthcare and how I’d be able to make a difference within it. This experience solidified my decision to pursue this career path.

Plants contribute to communities in various ways like producing oxygen. My initial contribution to the community started in July 2014 with Rebuild America, an organization that assists communities with fewer resources through beautification projects and giveaways. My services ranged from picking up trash to giving clothes, food, and toys to the less fortunate. Hearing the children’s waves of laughter and seeing their smiles upon receiving a new toy was the highlight of my volunteer work. To this day, I still participate in the events they have in my area in hopes of making someone’s day.

As with any storm, there’s always an ending at which a plant gains sunlight and resumes its growth. I was able to grow into a beautiful flower due to others’ support and most importantly, my dad’s story. His passing established a rocky beginning in my life but also gave me an opportunity to realize my passion for biomedical engineering. His story is one that has inspired me to give back to others like him, and I hope to one day obtain a degree in which that will allow me to.