Scholarship / Courage to Grow Scholarship: The question is why do I deserve this scholarship? [5]

Growing up in a single parent household is difficult and I do not wish for anyone to grow up without another parent in their life. Though we do not live in a perfect world, life without two parents can happen. I grew up with just my mother and sister and my mother knew that my sister and I could be something more in this life such as a doctor or an engineer.

I am maintaining good grades in college and high school, participating on a year round swim team going onto eight years, and work as a swim instructor and lifeguard. I have my mother to thank for guiding me in the right direction, which she always wants us to be stronger, driven women who can over come any challenges thrown in our path.

However like any college student, the issue of money becomes a difficult challenge and sometimes, I cannot control it. My university has become my second home and I wear my university colors with pride, but I do not want the issue of money to interfere with my attendance. I want to further my education and with this scholarship, it will help me tremendously with paying for my undergraduate Chemistry degree. I deserve this scholarship because I have worked this hard and I do not want to see my dreams ripped away from me. This will set me in the right direction as far as growing into a more mature, educated adult and becoming a Dermatologist after my undergraduate years.

It's a bit over the 250 word count, but I have trouble with tenses so should I write in past or present tense? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!