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Haydn Marcella

575

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Hello! My name is Haydn Marcella, I am a running start student from Vancouver Washington. I am also a first generational student and I am committed to the University of Southern California in the Legal Studies program. When thinking of who I want to be, of who I could become, I've always felt a calling to something heroic, and righteous. These heroic characters have come to me from both literature and film. By applying the principles I've learned from these characters—some of whom had to survive in the world without their parents—I've reached some degree of insight. In real life, we don't have superheroes, but we do have those who stand up for others while seeking the truth. I used to be one of these people who needed protection, but with the opportunities and knowledge I have now, I can bear down on my aspirations. My top choices for careers are law, journalism, and leadership. Of course, my path after college is still flexible; however, given the life I’ve lived so far, I know I will be in the service of others.

Education

Evergreen High School

High School
2018 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Legal Professions and Studies, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Law Practice

    • Dream career goals:

    • Host / Busser

      Las Flamas
      2022 – 2022

    Sports

    Football

    Varsity
    2020 – 20233 years

    Awards

    • Athletic Scholar

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      National Honor Society — President
      2021 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Students Impacted by Incarceration Scholarship
    When I was growing up, I would often lie about the truth of who my parents were to my friends. But because of my history, I am now motivated to achieve honor and success. I want my last name to be worthy of respect. I've never met my father, and my mom never completed high school. I had to learn to be strong and mature at a young age. This kind of mentality at such a young age caused me to become aware that I wasn't like the other kids. My father who was incarcerated before I was born, was incarcerated again when I was a child, and again when I was a teenager. He has never had a direct effect on my life, but I would be lying if I said he has had no impact on my life, my goals, my academics, all of it. He has always been an absent father. For the longest time, I would say anything but acknowledge that my father was a criminal who wouldn't even meet his own son. I would make up stories and lies about who my father really was. I always wanted a hero as a father, instead, I had a criminal. Growing up, my home was far from peaceful. My mother and stepfather, who was yet another former convict, were always fighting and their disagreements often escalated into physical and emotional abuse. This constant stress had a profound effect on me, and I struggled to focus on my studies while dealing with the emotional trauma at home. I didn't have any idea then, but looking back I was in an extremely bad situation. I was largely unaware of anything going on in my life. I was just a boy. I failed academically as my parents didn't push me, I had no idea I had any kind of academic potential. My grandparents made the difficult decision to end their new retirements and give me a fresh start. As a first-generation student, I faced a lot of challenges that my peers didn't have to deal with. It was hard to keep up with the students after being so withdrawn, but my grandparents continued to push me for success. It was instilled in me that if I wanted to get something, I would have to take it. I matured and eventually, I was one of the most academically gifted kids in school, I also began to become involved in sports and became a gifted athlete with something to prove. Despite these challenges, I persevered. I am able to express myself creatively and developed my skills as a leader. I gained a sense of purpose. I was reluctant to look back at my past but also resisted letting go of it. I've reached a point where I'm content to forgive what has happened. It has given me the opportunity to start something fresh as I open a new chapter in my life. My father figures mistakes do not define me.