How My Durnibar Changed My Life

A few years had past since my family had become a statistic, when my sister and brother left home on their way to their own goals in life. This new change produced even a greater effect on me than did the departure of my father. Now came the time where I decided if no one else had to stay in the family, neither did I. I took this opportunity to become closer to my friends and their families hoping to become more welcome there than I did at home. It was not long after my constant deviation from what was left of my family that my mother decided she was going to keep me out of the house for extended periods of time. Now the time had come for me to really find my path in life.

My mother worked four jobs at once to make financial ends meet, while always stressing the importance of education and financial independence to my brother and myself. My grandmother only achieved a second grade education due to the financial constraints on her family at a young age, but still in the end managed to make certain that of her children and grandchildren had what was needed to flourish and become successful, educated members of the community. The tenacity and history of these two women I still carry with me today. Their struggles have inspired to me to only want more from life, but also serve as a positive role model for the younger members of my community. I observed from other family members how an education can open a multitude of doors and opportunities. I want to make the biggest and most significant on my community and on my family as possible, and the only foreseeable path is to achieve a college education to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and connections needed to flourish and implement positive

My parents are Hmong refugees that immigrated to the United States after the Vietnam War in the 1970s in search of a better life. In their eyes, America is the land of the free and where dreams can become reality. In Laos, my parents lived an agrarian lifestyle with very little education. Despite their lack of education, they realized that education held the key to success. Throughout my life, my parents emphasized the importance of education and did their best to guide my siblings and me. This was not an easy task for my parents because of the cultural adjustment that they experienced, but they managed to instill in me invaluable character qualities such as patience, perseverance, hard work, sacrifice and courage. I am the third youngest out of twelve children, and I will be the first to receive a Graduates degree.

I came to the United States as an international student on a student visa. Working with various student organizations as the president of Nicholls International Community, I have become more comfortable with working with those of all races. After graduation, I worked professionally for four years where I met people from all walks of life. During this times, I learned advanced techniques of performing whole genome and exome sequencing, trained other employees, coordinated projects and managed meetings. Additionally, I learned to manage work conflicts and become a strong leader through proper communication. These experiences have taught me to never stop working hard. Experiencing being part of the community in Nepal to New Orleans and to New York City has really broadened my view on the world. I will be able to share these experience and skills with the diverse student body of

The reason immigrant children have such far-reaching success is in large part due to our awareness. There is not a day that passes that I don’t see the effects of cultural poverty and lack of women’s education. My passion for success stems from my 1st generation immigrant upbringing.

Living in America is often taken for granted, but many would risk their lives just to live in this free country. My parents risked their lives escaping from Laos after the Vietnam War in order to reach America hoping for a better life. My dad’s struggles in life has inspired me to pursue higher education in order to create a brighter future for myself. Being the first generation children born in America has given me the opportunity of free education. In America education

America possesses the necessary requirements for a country of well establishment, but there is always room for improvement. Each year, America attracts foreign citizens that lack the academic qualifications to climb the up the industrial hierarchy; this lack of education only enhances the need for more intellectual individuals. As a minority, I will proceed to better America by becoming a determined and educated African American female. The desire to improve our surroundings through innovative ideas and inspiration is there; however, people lack the drive to make these dreams happen. America needs more determined citizens, who see that this country has endless possibilities that need to be take advantage of. Through education, people can better

All cultures are different and influence how we develop as adults. In my Mexican American culture many virtues of strength, courage, and hope has been passed on. Growing up in an environment where financial hardship prevailed I was still able to observe how my parents had hopeful attitudes, loved, had patience, and kindness toward others. Our strong family unity brought me comfort and confidence in knowing I had their support and guidance. The qualities my family passed on to me are hope, love, patience, kindness, respect, caring, and most significant being helpful. Culture and family engraved in my thoughts that hard work pays off and to uncover meaning in life one must persevere in education and thrive to support those struggling. Life has given me the opportunities to practice many qualities and I’ve learned they are to cherish. They have molded my character somewhat in that, as the years passed, I adapted and applied them. My intent is to keep the principles imparted to me and with a positive attitude, carry myself with might and bravery as I travel forward in life.

Home school had proven to be a waste of my time. I found out about Job Corps through a couple of friends who had attended the school. I decided to go to the Brunswick Job Corps. I spent 10 months there. I would like to say that I used all that time wisely, Of course not. It wasn’t till month seven that I started buckling down and finally got my General Education Diploma (GED). My life has now begun to go in the right direction. I came back home. My mother worked for Delta at the time so my mother, father, and I took a trip to Hong Kong, China, a business trip for my mother, an educational trip for me, and for my father it was a stroll down memory lane. My father spent some time in the city of Hong Kong when he was nineteen, and he got to show me around the city when I was nineteen. Of course for myself, once we crossed the International Date Line on the way there I was of age to

My mother always told, “Verline you have to run faster and jump higher to be the best.” My mother emigrated from Haiti and my father from Dominican Republic. I am a trilingual speaker. I am fluent in French, Spanish, and English. My father and mother came to the United States for a better life for my siblings and me. Being the youngest of eight children, where six didn’t attend college brought a lot of pressure in proving to my family that I am going to be successful. While my mother juggled two jobs and attended night classes it was my community that stepped in and help me evolve into the young woman I am today. I gave back to my community when I entered high school, and I began by volunteering at the YMCA I attended. My position switched from an attendee, to a volunteer, and now a camp counselor. I was so excited to take on a leadership role because I wanted to help students find what they are passionate about just as my mentor once did for me. I appreciate the opportunities that my community gave to me. I’ve gained principles, discipline, and tough love from my mentors in my community. Growing up in a large family l learned to share and the importance of relationships. I am beyond grateful to my family and community support for instilling in me the belief that I could do anything, and the sky is the

When I was a child, I never fully understood the importance of school. As I grew older my parents took the care to teach me that education, especially one that is free, was a privilege and would offer opportunities for success. For the two of them, Immigration to the United States offered prospects of a better life, yet to do so they needed education. So, as a result I have acquired that by learning I can reach my aspirations, but to reach that point I must be diligent, determined, and well-rounded. I aspire to go to college, and eventually help heal the world.Thus, why I believe that I am a well-suited Candidate for the AP Capstone Scholars’ Program.

From a very young age I knew I would have to work twice as hard if not more than the average student. I was learning and being taught in a language different from the one that was being spoken at home. I soon, through hard work and commitment, overcame this barrier. I’ve received recognitions and award that reflect this such as, academic distinction, excellence in academics, and the leadership award from my academy. I’ve also received a recognition for leadership and excellence in the fields of academics and diversity from Wichita State University, where I plan on furthering my education as an accounting major.

As poverty, terrorism, hunger, and economic crises escalate, I believe it is essential for me as a student to possess a deep human desire to contribute to my school, community, and ultimately, the world. Because of my profound attributes, I am able to promote leadership, develop character, and create enthusiasm for academic excellence. I was chosen as a candidate to display academic prestige but I perceive it as an opportunity to offer my exemplary efforts of scholarship, leadership, service and

For many years my mother and I relocated as many as three times a year and we depended on government assistance to keep us afloat. Upon moving to North Carolina and gaining financial stability I made it a personal goal to serve others just like me. The truth about where I came from is an essential key to determine where I will go, and so I share my story with everyone.During my junior year of high school I was inducted into the National Honor Society. During the induction I lit the candle symbolizing leadership. Unbeknownst to me I was creating my destiny and months later I became the President of my school’s chapter. Being a teenager there are but so many things I can do and I struggled to understand the fact that I cannot do everything-- not yet. I sought inspiration to handle my cognitive dissonance from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. who stated “If I cannot do great things, I will do small things in a great way.” As a future student, I dedicate every fiber of my being to embody Howard’s core values. I hope to serve as yet another representation of excellence and walk in the footsteps of many great leaders before me in the path to

My time in High School was made difficult from the constant strife and conflict between my parents. This made my home an unstable environment not fitted for learning or growing as an individual. As I got older and closer to graduating High-School, I began to find my own voice with the help of my mentor Rahn Fleming, which occurred at the end of my junior year. As a result, I came in control of my life and the constant feuding started to die down. No longer did I have to worry about the next scheduled court date, or the next time I would come home wondering what may await. I felt like I was always walking on broken glass for the longest of time throughout my life, until I began to voice myself and what I wanted. My parents came to realize this