The Power of Peristance by Brianna

The Power of Peristance by Brianna - March 2021 Scholarship Essay

I am what you would call a typical college student. One who spends their nights stressing, eating Ramen Noodles, and then stressing some more (with the occasional cry randomly thrown in there). In these times there is one person in which I constantly turn to for support and that would be my mother. She is the definition of a perfect role model to me, especially when it comes to academics. In my mother's past she was attacked by one conflict after another. Firstly being raised in a home of abuse and alcoholism and then to find herself pregnant with my sister at the age of eighteen and a senior in highschool. Despite these challenges I have gotten the God given privilege to witness my mom flourish and prevail against the consecutive battles of her life.

Two of the most important phrases ever mentioned to me in regards to academics come from my mother. Firstly is something that I will hold deep in my heart for eternity and that is to "be persistent on the things that your heart wants." Not only has this statement given me the courage to continue my schooling but has also led me through all of my decisions, using my heart rather than my mind as a guide. I was also told to "never lose sight of the little things in life, no matter the circumstance." I got to see my mother rise from a place that will attempt to trap you forever. On her hands and knees she crawled until she gathered the strength to stand and march on. Her persistence was the root of all of this and what has led me to where I stand today. We can all learn a lesson on rising above our struggles as no person is exempt from a life full of trials. Like my role model, if you are not content where you are then get up and do something about it. If we stay as we are and dwell on our mistakes we will put ourselves in a prison cell of our own making.

Academics is about furthering our futures and choosing the paths of our lives. My mother has impacted me in such a way that I am confident that I will succeed in anything I set my mind on. The little positive things that occur in each passing day sends a reminder to all of us that whatever it is that we are struggling with, whether that be a test coming up, a relationship, a friendship, depression, or simply whether we can afford the extra queso or not, there is purpose and there is reward in our actions. I thank my role model, my mother, for instilling this in me and never ceasing to push me harder than ever towards my academic aspirations and goals.