Before the divorce, my family was whole. At least that’s what I believed through the rainbow lens of being a kid. My dad spent time with me; he was goofy and energetic. After he lost his job, we moved for a new opportunity and we were happy, then debt crept in. The cost of the new house alongside moving from our only support group was too much for us to handle. We started cutting costs, moved to a smaller house, but the stress caught up to their marriage. By the fourth grade I was beginning to resent my parents for the nights of yelling and days of silent tension until one day, it was over. My dad moved out and it became my mom, my younger sisters, and me.
That’s when my mom began her recovery from alcoholism. She started attending 5 o’clock meetings and I got used to cooking dinner for my sisters. My mom had always been kind enough to shelter me from the adult issues we faced when my father was around but once it became just her, my kaleidoscope glasses fell to the floor and I realized just how stressful her life was. She worked physically demanding jobs, went to AA meetings every night, and barely fed herself. I watched my mom give every ounce she had to feeding my sisters and me while she said she “wasn’t hungry”. She never complained.
I’ve always been a smart kid so whether she realized it or not I knew the truth, we were struggling. I was too little to work, so I took care of my sisters. I made sure they did their homework and chores. I did what my dad used to do. When school trips came around, I’d lie and tell my mom I didn’t want to go so she wouldn’t have to pay. I knew it was too much. This continued until I was in the seventh grade. I got comfortable taking care of my family. I struggled in silence, and this certainly didn’t help my social life but it was worth it knowing I was helping my momma, lightening her load when I could. I love her with every fiber of my being, she’s the strongest person I’ve ever met.
I became so accustomed to survival mode that I forgot what it was like to live for myself. I was set on working fresh out of high school, of course I dreamed about college and a career but I knew it wasn’t practical. I was so wrong. After four years of school and the worst bout of depression I’ve ever experienced in my life, my GPA fell to a 1.6. I almost gave up on education entirely.
We moved back to Alaska in 2021 and I met an entirely new world of people that completely changed my outlook on life. I found the support system I didn’t have in Montana. I realized I could live for myself again. I joined sports, clubs, and even theater. I pushed myself academically and emotionally. I met my now life-partner who believes in me as fiercely as I’m beginning to believe in myself.
The move saved my life. But it was my mom’s resilience, and the love we share, that gave me the strength to seize the opportunity. This scholarship would lift a significant burden from my shoulders, allowing me to focus on building the life I’ve always dreamed of. I want this not just for me, but for my momma, my sisters, and the little me I used to be, the one who held onto hope.
I was born in the small town of Toppenish, Washington, and from a young age, I experienced frequent moves between schools and houses. Eventually, I settled in Toppenish and it has become my home. However, my childhood was not without its challenges. When I was younger, 3-4 years old, I almost got diagnosed with Autism because I couldn't talk, especially since I was shy. I would try to speak, but all that would come out was gibberish. This frustrated and misunderstood me, as I struggled to communicate with those around me. Thankfully, my mother took me to a Hearing & Speech Center where they told her I could talk with time. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and never giving up, even when faced with obstacles.
I am the only child from my mother's side, and she has played the role of both a mother and a father in my life. While my father hasn't been around, my mother works hard to support our small family. Growing up in a low-income household, my mother works in the fields. She wakes up at 3 am to make her lunch, goes to work at 5 am, and arrives home at 7 pm exhausted, especially during the hot sun. She pays rent and sacrifices herself to provide for our family. Seeing her hard work and determination has instilled in me a strong work ethic and the importance of never taking anything for granted.
One of my greatest passions is music, specifically singing. I have been a part of the Chamber Choir at my high school for four years, allowing me to express myself and connect with others through music. Being a part of this choir has improved my vocal skills and taught me the value of teamwork and collaboration. We work together to create beautiful harmonies and performances, and it has taught me the importance of supporting and uplifting others.
An accomplishment that has led to a new understanding of myself and others was when I joined a community service project to help organize a toy train Christmas event. It was such a magical experience. Seeing the joy on the faces of families and children as they got to meet Santa, ride the train, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate was truly heartwarming. We also organized a scavenger hunt, which added an extra layer of excitement and fun. It made me realize the importance of creating special moments for others and the impact that small gestures can have on bringing happiness to people's lives during the holiday season. This experience also taught me the power of community and coming together to make a positive difference in the world.
Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the person who established this scholarship for students from single-parent households, including myself. As a first-generation student, I've faced numerous obstacles while pursuing my education. This scholarship would not only relieve my family's expenses but also allow me to continue my education at a four-year university. I am determined to take advantage of this opportunity and use it to advance my education and achieve my goals. Thank you so much for your time and consideration; it means the world to me.
