Scholarship / Scholarship essay, person I admire (my dead Uncle) [6]

I need to get this scholarship or i will not be able to afford school. The federal government can be such an ass.

The topic is:

Name a person you admire, and describe why you admire such a person. What qualities in yourself would you like most to see flourish, and what quality in yourself would you most like to see whither in order to emulate your role model?

Here is my problem, i have been independent and basically on my own since i was 16, so for about 5 years now. I never had a role model when i was younger, i just knew i had to get out of there. I don't really want to write about some historical figure, because that doesn't seem personal enough. So i am really having trouble finding someone to write about.

The only person i have been able to think of is my dead Uncle. The only problem is he died before i was born, but i have heard numerous stories about him. I am thought of him because he was queer, and i am queer, and he had to deal with so much stuff because of it. He was strong throughout it all, and would have done great things had he not met such an early death. Would he be an appropreiate subject, or should i try and select someone else? If so i really don't know who.

Also what would be a good introduction to this type of essay? Should i start off with "The person who has influences me most..." or could/should i use something a little more creative?

I would really appreciate any input.