Journey to College

As the child of immigrants who came to this country with not much more than the clothes on their backs, it was always ingrained in me that what you know and your gumption to get ahead are the only things you can count on. Nothing is a given. Material possessions can disappear, but what you know and your will to get ahead endures.

My parents always encouraged me to do well in school. They pushed me to do better than them. It was a basic expectation. They worked hard at their jobs to ensure that we had what we needed. However, they wanted me to achieve much more, and, in their mind, going to college was the golden ticket. Their expectation for me was always that I attend college. 

My parents didn’t have the money to pay for my college, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. Throughout high school, I took every advanced placement course I could in an effort to reduce future college costs. I also started taking classes that I knew would transfer to most public universities over the summer and later in the evenings at the local junior college. By the time I graduated from high school, I had nearly enough credits to complete my first two years in college. I also started working part-time as soon as I was legally able, saving everything I could. In addition, I spent days and weeks finding and applying to every possible scholarship and grant I could find. From where I stood, no scholarship was too small for me to apply to; I needed everything I could get.

As if figuring out how to take classes and find the money to pay for college wasn’t enough, I recognized that I had to prove myself to be a well-rounded person to get into a good school. Academics alone wouldn’t do it. So, I also partook in school sports, lettering in swimming and wrestling, joined the school band, contributed to the Associated Student Body Board, and found creative ways to contribute and support my local community.

I worked hard and strategized on how to get to college. My path wasn’t easy, but I knew I had my family’s support and encouragement. If I had one word of advice to share with others striving to go to college, it would be to set your goal, map out your plan, and enjoy the process. The hard work will pay off, but most importantly, that hard work will make your future success that much sweeter.

- Anonymous