A Hidden Hero by Abigail

A Hidden Hero by Abigail - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Discussing a mentor had never come easy to me in that I never had one specific adult who stood out amongst the others. That was until I truly discovered the journey that one woman whom I had known my whole life had traveled. Mary - a hardworking, seventy-year-old woman had hidden her struggles from me until I was old enough to understand. Of course, I had already respected and loved her, but learning how she has overcome some of the most unfathomable obstacles has shaped me into a completely different person.
Early on in life, Mary shared a happy life with her mother, father, and brother on their seven-acre family farm. However, once her dad eventually passed away, her brother developed a severe drug addiction, and her family forced her out of the house. She eventually married a man who quickly became abusive, only to be excluded from the support of her family. The time soon came when her mother passed away as well, which sparked a battle over the inheritance between her brother and her. She received none of the inheritance money, despite owning half of the land. Her relationship with her family was shattered, though her relationships today reflect nothing of the sort.
Even after living through years of neglect, Mary is one of the most caring, motivational people I have ever met. She strives to learn and grow. And before understanding her journey, I had never believed that it was possible to come back from so many tragedies. After learning more about her, Mary quickly became the person I wanted to be when I grew up, but I knew I had to follow my path like her. I have taken the time to discover my passions, cultivate my knowledge, and pursue my dreams of becoming a lawyer to hopefully defend people in Mary’s position one day.
I would never have gained a passion for law without knowing the trials and tribulations Mary endured. Knowing how she was treated, yet who she still became, has shown me that there is hope for everybody. I know I want to be a voice for people who feel they do not have one, even in their own families, and that is why I have decided to major in pre-law and psychological studies for the next four years. I know my journey will not be easy, but if I have even a sliver of the drive that Mary possesses, then I know everything will work out for me.