Curry & C/O ‘22 Scholarship

Growth can appear in the most unexpected circumstances. Sometimes we do not even notice our growth until someone else points it out. The death of an important person in my life made me evaluate myself. My world shattered the summer of my senior high school year; when my maternal grandfather Ezzard unexpectedly passed. Although it was a solemn event it opened my eyes to life lessons. Death is a painful and life-changing experience and I had never experienced it from someone close to me. My Grandad Ezzard was an exceptional man! Many people will claim that, but he lived and expressed that in his daily life. Grandad was one of my closest confidants and major supporter. He was my source of inspiration and counsel. After his passing, it was difficult to envision life without him. Grandad was active in all my decisions. I carefully observed his life and acquired his “face it or fear it” motto. Airplanes were his least favorite means of transportation, however, he wanted to overcome the fear and travel abroad. Grandad was tired of long train rides and mustered up the courage to fly. At the age of sixty, he boarded his first flight since a young child. The flight attendants adored him, and he received a flying airplane pin. Grandad often teased that he was now ready to fly the airplane. He faced his fear and conquered it! Being of service builds character. I learned that from my granddad. I never met someone that was admired by people from all levels of society. He never met a stranger and could hold a conversation about any topic. Grandad would be excited during his frequent trips to the local park to feed the hungry. People waited in anticipation for his homemade hearty and delicious meals. Grandad Ezzard would brag about his family and entertain conversations of their choice. My grandad was on the heart transplant list and was determined to not let that interrupt his attitude. Whenever I had a difficult day, he knew the right words to make it all better. I would take away something positive from the negative. Grandad made up the quote, “ Stay P,” which means stay positive. Nowadays, I say it aloud when I am feeling tense to calm myself. The two deaths unexpectedly sparked a new level of maturity in me. Personally, it forced a fresh vision of navigating through life. The fresh vision made me mindful to seize every moment and support others through actions. It encouraged my decision to be a Peer Leader and mentor to first-year students at my high school. The action of being mentally present when engaging in conversation with others is no longer intimidating. It is well known that death is inevitable. However, we always wish for just a little more time with our loved ones. This period of growth made me recognize how the legacy of my deceased loved one impacted me. Because of the growth, I will coexist with the (T.H.R.E.E.S) legacy which consists of time, hard work, respect, education, encouragement, and service. Time is priceless and you can never get it back! Hard work predicts your success! Respect should be give and take! Education is a never-ending process! Encouragement builds and enhances character. Service invests in your future and creates leaders.