Sharen and Mila Kohute Scholarship

Grandmothers often boast about their amazing grandchildren, however, I am flipping the script and boasting about my extraordinary grandmother. She has had a profound impact on my life. Through all of her trials and tribulations, she has inspired me. Not only that, but she has also encouraged and affirmed me, making me aware of my full potential and building my confidence. The young woman I am today is deeply affected by her life. To understand why my grandmother has impacted my story, you have to understand her story first. My grandmother has successfully battled various kinds of cancer. She defeated breast cancer four times and reproductive cancer once and for all. Through her diagnoses, she showed strength, faith, and compassion. Knowing she has made the best of what life throws at her has given me hope to persevere. She does not give up. Even when she lost her factory job of twenty years, my grandmother rose to the occasion with bravery and determination. As a middle-aged woman, she decided to go to business school for two years, which helped her secure a job in an optometrist’s office. Time and time again, my grandmother did not let circumstances define her. Her courage, endurance, and desire to provide for her family have given me confidence to step out in faith by being the first in my family to apply to college. Further evaluation of my grandmother’s impact on my life reveals the reason why I am able to chase my dreams. Being a first-generation college student is uncharted territory, which can present challenging uncertainty. However, my grandmother uplifts me every step of the way, just as she did when I got cut from my high school volleyball team three times. She assured me that I was an outstanding young woman, not defined by my mistakes and shortcomings. I was able to rise up and play an important role of manager, serving my team through my senior year. I have gained resiliency and perspective through witnessing my grandmother’s strength. Upon reflection, my grandmother has had the most profound impact on my life. Knowing all she conquered has helped me discover my potential to do great things. Her courageous spirit is living proof of the strength within me. Because of her, I will go into the world confident in my character and full of faith in my future. Clearly, I am grateful to love and be loved by her beautiful soul. Although my grandmother would tell you she is proud of me, I am here to declare that I am beyond proud of her faith and fortitude.