A & M Scholarship Essay

Almost anyone can close their eyes right this moment and envision their senior year of high school abundant with remarkable events and be able to recall numerous memories made. There is one memory that stood out amongst all the others during my senior year. This one extenuating circumstance along with valued experiences has shaped me into the kind of individual I am today and has completely transformed my life. Throughout all my years in school, I acquired the philosophy of doing everything only to the best of my ability. I was always responsible, determined, intelligent, and ended high school while being at the top ten percent of my class and involved in many clubs with leadership positions, awards, and recognitions. All of these successes
in my life back in high school, led to my aspiration of being accepted into the best university for me which is, of course, Texas A&M University.
I knew that Texas A&M could be a great place to call home and allow me to excel in my academics and grow significantly as an individual. I worked hard and long to shape myself into the best student for this university and submitted my application with confidence. I then received an award letter in the mail fortunately stating that I was accepted. I was filled with joy until a few months later when I received a phone call from my mother saying that my father had been in a terrible accident. It happened on a day like any other, but little did I know while I was sound asleep, that I might never have the chance to see my father ever again. It was around midnight when my father was on his way home on his motorcycle. He was only two blocks away from home when all of a sudden a car illegally ran a stop sign, took a sharp left turn, and caused the monstrous vehicle to collide with my father head on. His body flung over the hood, and he flew onto the side of the road. With no helmet on,
there was little chance of survival. Blood dripped from his head, and countless thoughts were racing through his mind. He told me how he though about losing everything; ; losing his motorcycle, his job, his life, and most importantly, his family. He especially thought about not being able to watch his kids grow to be the best they can be which was his most valuable goal in life. He felt people hovering and death surrounding him. We forthwith rushed to his care and arrived to the sight of my dad in a gurney with a pool of blood where his head lay to rest, his arms scraped, his leg in a brace, cuts on his lip and chin, three staples on his head, his right wrist swollen, and his face swollen as well. For me, only my heart was broken but still grateful that my father was alive. He was in pain for weeks, was not able to work for eleven months, and was required to attend occupational therapy for three months. As a result, it was an extremely hard time trying to cope with this tragic event, and it affected our family enormously. Our family had to stay strong amidst this tragedy. Money was tight and it only got worse with medical expenses. I had to sacrifice and decline my acceptance into my dream school due to financial reasons. I was devastated but in that moment I realized that my father has given everything for me, and my goal in life is to be able to repay him in any way I can. At the last minute, I applied to the community college in my hometown and received a scholarship that covered my tuition and books since I was accepted into the honors program. I have continued to thrive in all my honors classes, in many student organizations, maintain a 4.0 GPA, and achieve recognition in the Dean’s List. I have accomplished all my success in school while working two jobs in order to support myself and my loved ones. It has been extremely tough, but I know it will be worth it as I am going down the right path towards successfully transferring to Texas A&M and can provide many skills, expertise, and knowledge I have gained throughout my two years in college. The day my dad’s life was at risk and this life changing event occurred is a day I will remember all my life.
He thought about me and my future during what he thought was his last moment of life left. My dad’s recovery definitely impacted me in many ways. I couldn't bear to see my dad in misery. Thankfully, he recovered well mostly because of the occupational therapy he went through at Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center. It was thanks to the many professionals in this field that my father was back on his feet again, and my family was happy at last. I thought about all the other people across the lifespan who suffer through injuries, illnesses, or disabilities that stop them from doing the things they want and need to do daily. It pains me to know that there are other families out there who have been and could be severely affected just as my family was. This is when I knew I wanted to become an occupational therapist for the sole purpose of helping people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health. I discovered my passion for occupational therapy as I went back to the rehabilitation center my dad went to for help. I gained a better understanding of this wonderful profession as I volunteered, interacted with the patients, and job shadowed the occupational therapist and assistants. I now hope to expand my education by attaining a bachelor’s in Kinesiology/Motor Behavior Program in order to be fully prepared for my graduate studies where I will
achieve a PhD in occupational therapy for my future career.