More Than My GPA by Makayla

More Than My GPA by Makayla - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

As a child, I lived with my single mother who prioritized her carousing over my education. Because of this, I missed a crucial amount of elementary school which set me behind. I didn't learn basic concepts such as multiplication and my family gave up on the thought of teaching me. For as long as I can remember, I accepted the fact that I was stupid. I began high school with failing grades that verified my stupidity and seeing my peers thriving in AP classes made me lose hope. With a lack of academic support from my family and the feeling of inferiority to other students, I lost motivation and ended my freshman year with a 1.9 GPA. This is more than an educational barrier. This barrier within myself prevented me from believing I had purpose. All my life I'd blame my family for my mindset but I realize now that I can blame no one but myself. Having a defeatist mindset is something that I strive to overcome everyday. Once I began putting effort into school I gained the confidence that pushes me to do my best everyday. My transcripts show how much hard work and dedication I put into boosting my GPA in hope for this very moment---where I'd be able to apply for colleges and prove not only my family, but myself wrong. My family still continues to try and discourage me when it comes to my education but I use it as motivation. It's a reason to work harder than I ever have before. It's my chance to prove that no one can change the trajectory of my life, but me. My past will never define who I am or who I'm capable of being and college is my next step to overcoming this challenge that once controlled my life.