Miguel- Paving the Way to a Successful Life

Being a junior in high school isn’t as easy as it sounds. This is the year we’re expected to study hard and come out on top if we want to get accepted into a good college; however, it’s also the year where we juniors are faced with rigorous tests such as the SAT and ACT, and also the Advanced Placement tests. Fortunately, I qualify for the free and reduced lunch program, so I have my test fees waived off, but fee waivers won’t always be my financial cushion. As I progress through high school, I will need more funds to be able to take more tests enable to ensure my education in a university.After I graduate from high school, I plan on attending a 4-year university and then attending medical school soon after. I aspire to be a pediatrician because I want to give back to my community and aiding children’s lives is a good way to ensure their safety and health; however, I want to specifically target a low-income community. Growing up, I’ve lived in several different communities surrounded by poverty and struggle. Honestly, if I am able to pursue my dream of becoming a pediatrician, I want to establish a clinic to aid those of impoverished communities. A clinic in a poor community, in my opinion, is beneficial to the public. Being from these type of communities, I’ve witnessed tragic things happen to children, the worst part is that parents can only stand by and watch due to lack of funds. By possibly establishing a clinic, it will be my duty to aid those in need.Growing up wasn’t very easy in my household. When I was young, my father was deported, thus leaving my mom to take care of 5 children. In our home, money is tight, considering the fact that we are being raised by a single parent; my mother constantly strives to make the best out of our financial situation, but sometimes it’s just not enough. I plan on going to college not only to show my 4 siblings that going to college can make a difference, but also to help my mom in ways my father wasn’t able to. Both my parents received minimal education; my mom dropped out during her last year of high school and my father dropped out during third grade due to his family’s lack of funds. To me, college is a route to a successful life, whether I choose to go through that route is up to me. By going to college, I can show my family that even though we didn’t have “humble beginnings,” perseverance and determination will get us far in life.By being sponsored by the Bridge For Kids program/sponsorship opportunity, I can rely on the funds provided to buy the things necessary to get through high school, and possibly college. Although the sponsorship has many applicants, I hope to be chosen simply for the fact of having some sort of finance to depend on when my family isn’t able to provide. Although it sounds selfish, having the short end of the stick is what primarily pushes me toward wanting to receive this sponsorship; by having financial aid throughout high school, and possibly college, I can ensure that I get the best out of my education and persevere even farther in life. If I possibly receive an education past high school, not only will I be a first generation student on both sides of my family, but I could set an example to my siblings, cousins, and my entire family. After all, college paves the way to a successful life.