I am a small county girl who has been raised in the mountains. During my childhood, my mother taught me to have a good work ethic and to get the job done to the best of my ability. I was able to practice what she taught me by keeping up with all the chores, taking care of animals, and keeping up with my academics. I wanted to do the best I could with my schooling, so I strived for straight A’s for all four years of high school. I accomplished my goal and graduated as fourth in my class. But the most important and greatest lesson I learned in this process is the power of research. Research is what made me accomplish my goals because I strived to learn as much as possible about each subject that I took. I did not care how hard it was since it pushed me to fully understand my assignments and the context behind them. Also growing up, I got to try out different types of activities, such as dancing in five styles, riding horses, learning violin and piano, and kicking butt in karate. Even at home, I developed interests in Asian languages, baking, and cooking.
However, I did go through a rough spot in my life with my parents as I started my sophomore year in high school. The experience, though, made me stronger in who I am regarding my character and my spirit. My mother taught me during the time that the hardships we go through do not define us nor our future unless we allow them to. If it were not for my mom’s support, I would not be where I am now nor would I have accomplished as much as I have. With my mom as my cheerleader, I have realized my dream of getting into Cal Poly SLO, where I will be attending this fall.
You can read my winning essay here.