Marion John Shepard, Jr. Scholarship

One of the biggest challenges I faced was the sudden loss of my father, who passed away due to a car accident. This tragedy occurred in 2017, just four months after I graduated from high school. This unexpected loss shook me deeply, throwing my plans and life into chaos. My plan was to work and attend college, but my father's passing changed everything. Suddenly, the future I had envisioned seemed uncertain. In the midst of grieving and grappling with the reality of my father's absence, I made the difficult decision to drop out of school. I was working two jobs, and balancing work and home made me feel like my dreams of furthering my education and pursuing a career were impossible. As time passed by and the shock faded, I found strength in the depths of my adversity. I realized that amidst the pain and loss, there was an opportunity for growth and resilience. I made a promise to myself to honor my father’s memory by persevering through the challenges and working towards a better future for myself and my family. Slowly, I began to rebuild my life. During that time, I discovered a newfound clarity about my true calling, which is teaching. I realized that I wanted to become an educator to empower others to reach their full potential. My new dream was to positively influence students and help them believe in themselves and their ability to learn, no matter their background or abilities. In order to accomplish this, I took action and returned to school, determined to pursue a career in education. While the road ahead seemed daunting, I refused to let fear or doubt hold me back. I embraced the support of my loved ones and leaned on them for encouragement and guidance. With renewed determination and a sense of purpose, I returned to school and earned my associate degree at the age of 24, defying the odds and proving to myself that it's never too late to pursue your dreams. Through this experience, I learned valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of determination. I came to understand that adversity can strengthen us and help us grow, shaping us into more resilient individuals capable of overcoming even the most frightening obstacles. Today, at 25, I’m attending the University of Central Florida and pursuing my bachelor's degree in education while working full-time in a high school as an instructional assistant. I chose education as my intended career path because of my belief in the transformative power of learning and the profound impact that educators can have on shaping young minds. Working as an instructional assistant at a high school has only solidified my passion for teaching and mentoring students. As soon as I earn my bachelor's degree, my immediate plan is to transition into a teaching role. I am eager to step into the classroom and make a meaningful difference in the lives of my students, fostering a love for learning and empowering them to pursue their dreams. Driven by a passion for teaching and an unshakable belief in the limitless possibilities of the future, I'm more focused and determined than ever. Now I’m guided by the understanding that there is a right time for everything and that every setback is merely a steppingstone on the path to success.