Most Improved Student Scholarship

Funded by

Fernando Garcia

Eligibility Requirements

Education Level:

High school seniors

State:

Illinois

Background:

Improvement academically and personally

Education Level:

State:

Background:

High school seniors

Illinois

Improvement academically and personally

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” - Benjamin Franklin

It’s important to always strive to improve yourself regardless of your current situation. Each new day is a new opportunity to improve. Fernando Garcia believes in students having second chances and making the most out of them. He understands there is no challenge more challenging than the challenge to improve yourself.

The Most Improved Student Scholarship aims to support high school seniors in Illinois who strive for continuous improvement.

Any high school senior in Illinois who have made the most improvement academically and personally may apply.

To apply, please describe how you have recently improved your academic and personal life.

Selection Criteria:

Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile

Scholarships for High School Seniors High School Scholarships Illinois Scholarships Essay Scholarships $500 Scholarships

Published January 12, 2023

Essay Topic

Please describe how you have recently made improvements to your academic and personal life.

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

June 2023

Winners

Pricila Abraham

Acero Major Hector P Garcia High School

Chicago, IL

Finalists

Carleigh Rice

City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College

Chicago, IL

Vanessa Alanis

Acero Major Hector P Garcia High School

Chicago, IL

Winning Application

Pricila Abraham

Acero Major Hector P Garcia High SchoolChicago, IL

I was always nervous to walk home in the dark. every little noise would make me nervous. I’d turn and clutch my mom's hand harder. we’d just continue walking into the darkness of the night. We didn't have enough money for another car. This was an everyday thing for us. When we'd get home I’d brush my teeth and get into bed, knowing that tomorrow would be the same. My parents worked most of their life and for most of mine, with a low paying job and having to work many hours. Because of this,I realized I wanted something more for my future. I didn't want that same life they had, I wanted something more for me. I always wondered what is the greatest accomplishment in my life? I had to think hard about it but I couldn't think of anything, then it finally hit me. The greatest accomplishment is me, my personality, and the person I came to be. My parents worked a lot when I was younger and they wouldn't come home until 7 pm. I’d spend my days thinking of my mom’s compassionate stories about the ER and the sick patients. It made me recognize that there are people who go through worse, and it made me realize that I can make a difference in their lives. Hearing the stories would make my heart race, just thinking about how a busy day at the hospital could be so overwhelming but it still seemed to excite me. I made it my priority to stay focused on school, at the same time I decided that I could help out at home. I knew what needed to be done: homework, dishes, and attending school. There would be times when I took it upon myself to clean the house so my parents wouldn't have to worry about cleaning. I would feel so proud of myself when I saw their gleaming faces and “thank you’s” coming out from their mouths. Something so small to me can mean a big thing to someone I really care about. Over the years I've learned that I’m a hardworking person, mature, and determined. From a young age I knew what I wanted: Attend college and get a better life for me and my family. To me it seemed hard, no one from my family really went to college and because of it they had to work long hours with a low pay. I believe college opens up many opportunities. It would also guide me in the right direction towards a brighter future. Thinking back, I'm thankful for the experiences that I have gone through that made me the person that I am today. I always wanted something more, I realized that I don't have to give myself low expectations because of something I witnessed. I aimed for a better education, at times when I felt like giving up I pushed myself to do this not only for me, but for my family.