Scholarship / Orange Scholars(Home Depot) Essay [3]

Hey guys, I'm not a good writer so I'm hoping to get some criticism for my next draft. The prompt is "Please describe your personal and educational goals. What challenges have you faced that have helped shape those goals? How have you dealt with those challenges?"

As of high school senior, my current goal is to get accepted into the prestigious University of California. However, attending medical school after receiving a degree is the next goal I hope to set and accomplish. Yet, my quest to complete this goal has had some obstacles, even before I was born.

Both my parents struggled before I was even born. My mom, having come to the United States as a high school student, had to learn English in a short time before taking entrance exams and applying for college. A top-tier college wasn't in sight for her and she could not afford to go to the college of her choice. Like my mom, my dad spent his childhood abroad, in Uganda, and attended college in England, where English language skills were paramount to success. Both of my parents struggled to make a new life in America but their hard work and determination allowed us to enjoy our life as a family.

The history of my parents' experience helps explain how a hard work ethic was instilled in me at an early age. My mom explained to me that success in life depends upon the amount of effort one puts into one's studies. As a young boy, I spent substantial time practicing on workbooks usually a grade or two above my own. Little did I know at the time that this extra effort early in childhood would set the foundation for me to take on greater academic challenges as I progressed through school. With new academic success came a need to get involved outside of school.

Working part-time had the appeal of variation in my daily schedule, however, the options for employment were scarce. Fortunately, I found inspiration in volunteer work at the local hospital. Through my volunteer work, I have witnessed the inner workings of a hospital environment. My interaction with the doctors and other hospital staff has allowed me to experience first hand the positive impact they have on the well being of the individual and the community. Seeing sick and injured people in need has inspired me to seek a profession where someday I can help them heal.

I would like to use my degree and education to help discover a cure for diabetes. Many of my relatives, including my dad, and approximately over 180 million around the world suffer from it. It is a goal of mine to contribute as much as I can to find a safe, yet effective immunization shot that could completely wipe the disease out.

My family has expanded my horizons and given me a better understanding of the world. My parents planted the seed and gave me the mental and physical nourishment so that I can become a productive citizen. They hope I will achieve successes even beyond their own. Now that this goal is almost complete, I continue to prepare for my next and future goals.