Jean Allison Memorial Scholarship

From the time I have lived in Muleshoe, I have taken such pride in being apart of such a tight-knit community. I have always chased academic excellence and have worked very hard to be accepted into Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. However, my college fund is strictly money that I have earned showing livestock and working. If I were to be awarded this scholarship, I would be proof that small town people are seen. I have worked hard in dual credit courses and as a result I will be graduating with my associate's degree the day before I graduate from Muleshoe High School. I have done my absolute best to break the barriers of a small town mindset. Being from a small town is a positive thing rather than a negative thing, Muleshoe has catapulted me into success in many areas of life. This grant would help me be able to attend my dream school and be closer to financial stability. I know that I have the town of Muleshoe standing behind me as I enter this new phase of life. Being awarded this scholarship would not only benefit me, but also my community and family. On my tenth birthday, I was blindfolded and led into the garage for a “special birthday surprise”. You can only imagine my little ten-year-old brain’s thoughts. I heard shuffling in the background as my dad tried to cover the noise up with dad jokes and whatnot. “Are you ready Kaitlynn?” my mom asked as she untied the blindfold that blocked my vision. A black and white border collie puppy with speckles covering her face and paws came running towards me. I crouched down to greet my new puppy, not knowing that this dog would soon become my best friend. This puppy would eventually teach me that special moments can be taken for granted when you are not aware of what you have, and that nothing is ever guaranteed. I soon named the small pup Heidi. She became my closest companion. From working with animals, to going to the grocery store, we were attached at the hip. Years go by and her health declined. I took my sweet companion to the vet and was told that she was going to be just fine. The next morning, I had found that my best friend’s soul had gone to be with Jesus. I had gone to bed the night before without taking Heidi on a walk. I told her that we would “do it in the morning”. Little did I know, that was the last chance I would ever have to take Heidi on a walk. I did not take the last opportunity I had with her, because I was not aware of the extent of the situation. Within eight hours, this opportunity was taken from me forever. I had taken this last opportunity for granted. You hear people say that nothing is guaranteed about a million times throughout your life. But, I do not believe anyone will fully understand this without knowing the feeling of something that was expected slipping through their fingers. I had expected to graduate high school, college, and move out of my parent’s house with Heidi right by my side. However, none of that was ever guaranteed, I just expected it. I will now walk both the high school and college graduate stage without her. I believe that if I would have taken into consideration the quality of her company, I would have been able to give her a better life. Now I understand that what I had was absolutely priceless. While this essay was absolutely heart wrenching to write, Heidi continued to teach me things even after she passed. I learned to understand and appreciate what I have before it is gone, take advantage of every opportunity, and never “save it for the morning”. Heidi also taught me that it is important to prioritize correctly, rather than making the little things big. Now is the best time to seize the opportunity standing right in front of you, because tomorrow it might not be there.

1. The opportunities that this grant would give me would be unreal. My career goal is to be a successful doctor or possibly a surgeon. Once I obtain this goal, I would be able to bring back all of my experiences and knowledge from my many years in medical school to my little hometown of Muleshoe. It would be such a blessing to do good by my community and to share all my successes and hard work with the support system that helped me reach what I have always wanted. Going to medical school has always been my dream. I believe the medical field needs more people with a big heart that would do anything for their patients, and I think I could be that person for our community. I hope to one day inspire the young people of Muleshoe to chase their dreams, just as I will and the way Ms. Allison had inspired my own mother to become a teacher. The way my mother loves teaching is the way I want to love practicing medicine. As most know, teachers are not the most financially blessed as far as careers go. This money would do wonders for my family and me. 2. My second chance is one that not many people have the opportunity of receiving. Moving from Lubbock to Muleshoe was my second chance. When I was going to school in Lubbock I felt nearly invisible. Frenship was such a large district, it was easy to feel like I did not matter. I felt like I was just this small person in a sea of thousands. I never felt like I was noticed. When my family and I decided to move to Muleshoe, I was absolutely petrified. The idea of starting over had never been appealing to me. However, moving to Muleshoe was easily one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. It was my chance to finally be seen for all that I am. After moving schools, I instantly felt at home. Muleshoe is where I belong, it is where I could finally shine and show everyone how great I can really be. Since being in Muleshoe I have acquired many accomplishments. I am a part of the National Honors Society, ranked third in my class, was voted "Rotary Sweetheart", named honorable mention in Varsity Basketball, scored the highest on the ACT and SAT in my grade, and I was voted cheer captain. The achievements I have reached here at Muleshoe are my proudest moments. If I were at Frenship, I would just be another face and would not matter to many people. However, Muleshoe has given me the opportunity to show the world all that I am capable of. If I had never moved who knows where I would be, in regards to success. The beautiful town of Muleshoe gave me my voice and let me be heard. The lesson I learned that I will always take with me is, never be afraid to start over. I have never been a fan of new beginnings, but this experience has shown me that I should not dread starting over. Instead, use it to my advantage and I will always end up persevering.