Emeroth
At an early age I saw how much work and dedication you need to put in your life to succeed. I would always look at my parents, working everyday with no holiday breaks or rest to be seen. My dad began to work in construction at the age of 10, and my mom began cleaning houses at 17. When I was 8, I realized how hard my parents worked and the toll that this had on them. I could see it in their eyes, heavy and weak, with their hands tired and slumped at their sides. But they never complained, and would always provide me with love and joy, giving me a healthy life.
As soon as Summer started, 8-year-old me would begin to wake up early in the morning to go to work with my parents. At first they were surprised, telling me to go back to sleep. But I didn't stop, I wanted to be with them, to support them. My parents then realized that I would not budge, allowing me to accompany them. From that day on, I continue to be by their side, seeing every sacrifice that they make. Their hard work pushes me to be the best daughter that I can be for them. A girl who works just as hard as them, but who was lucky enough to be born in America and have support.
As I officially end my first year of high school, I realize how this school year has been the most challenging. I went through an immense amount of stress with all the work and tests that never seemed to stop, making me feel unprepared and lost for my future. At this moment, I’m still left with multiple questions on what I need to do next to prepare myself and reach out for help. But I know that I can not stay like this forever. I envision my future self standing tall and proud with her head held high, facing every challenge that arrives to her with confidence, showing her parents how much she has grown.
Still, I know that I can not do this by myself. By joining programs and taking every opportunity that is accessible to me, I know that all of this will lend me a hand on helping me grow as a person who can believe in herself. As I look through the A Bridge for Kids website, I already become inspired by the multiple smiling faces of students who have been supported by this amazing organization. I can truly see the passion that they have for supporting students and giving out the resources that many of us seek for. All of this makes me believe that I will be capable of achieving my biggest goal for my future self. To one day show my parents that their sacrifices led to something great, a daughter who would not just graduate, but who lived her life to the fullest with her parents' dreams beside her.