Personal Narrative: My Educational Story

My educational history is very diverse. I went to Catholic school from kindergarten to sixth grade, then went to public school from seventh to twelfth grade. The transition from Catholic school to public school was very complicated but at the same time it was effortless. I did not have to wear a uniform, go to church, or learn religion anymore.

While I cannot think of any one single episode in my past that has led me to consider furthering my education, I do think that there have been many points in my life that have helped me reach this pivotal moment in life. I think that I should start from the very beginning. I am the 4th of 5 children; three of which have earned their BA degrees. Growing up, we were poor as both my parents only had their high school education and were raised in the segregated south. Even though there were economical and racial hardships that we had to overcome, I loved growing up in the country of Jackson County, Florida. My parents were hard workers and instilled a strict work ethic in us all. Even today, I try to adhere to my upbringing and apply this work

My goal was to become a biomedical engineer in drug development so I could help children with rare blood disorders like my brother. I had earned a full scholarship and was able maintain higher than a 4.0 GPA in high school so I was confident I could do the same in the College of Engineering. Going through my first and second year I quickly realized the STEM courses were very challenging and realized that their was a huge gab in education that I received from the public schools I attended. It was also very challenging being the only minority in many of my classes and having to work while in school. Even though these things were true, so what. I had to continue to let my strong work ethic and grit shine through and find balance and community (diverstiy). I spent countless hours at the Think Tank Tutoring Center, and in my professors office hours. I was determined to perform better and thing eventually started to improve. I participated in Student Medical and Dental Enrichment Program (SMDEP), performed research, earned two publications, and I even found community through various clubs. As things began to get better, my father had a heart attacked and needed to have to triple bypass surgery immediately. I decided to help assist him in his recovery process. This period in my life was valuable because I was forced to learn how to balance different things in my life; as a physician I understand

After days of sorrow and helplessness, I contemplated quitting everything. However, I then got results that I had been accepted into my second choice university. I realized that I did have a future, just not the one that I had planned perfectly. I could still become a successful nurse and still help others by taking a different route. This experience taught me to become flexible I was so used to everything taking place the way I wanted it to that I forgot that some things are beyond my control. This challenge helped me to realize that there are more paths than one in life. With an optimistic attitude, I can still succeed and contribute to society. I also learned that my time spent studying and participating in extracurricular activities was not wasted. The memories that I made from participating in the activities are worth the time and effort. As a result, I came to not regret my spending a great amount of time toward my education. It still helped me develop into a well-rounded student. I learned that I will continue to face more difficult challenges in the future as I enter college. However, I will continue to persevere with a positive outlook because the challenges will one day serve as memorable experiences that I can learn

Finances were, and still are, tough so the full-tuition scholarship was attractive. After being awarded the Centralis Gold Scholarship, I was excited for the opportunity but was still not convinced the program would fit me. That was the point that I decided to drag my parents on another tour. This time we toured the Health Professions building and met with some representatives of the College of Medicine. Walking through all of the labs, viewing all of the new equipment, and talking to the students helped me reach a point of realization. At the end of my tour, I expressed my gratitude and thanked the faculty for their time. While standing in the main lobby of the Health Professions building, I looked at my parents and started to cry. My tears were full of emotion. That was the moment I felt at home. That was the moment that I realized the sky is the only limit. With the support of the Honors Program and the scholarship I was awarded, I knew that I could actually accomplish my academic goals here at Central Michigan University. That moment I had that day will be a feeling I will always

I started my educational goals just like every other student. Unfortunately, after graduating high school and attending a community college for a short time I decided that the workforce would suite my needs better than a college education at that time. Working for several years at odd end jobs, I was content and comfortable with my life. None of my family members had attended college so the push or drive to attended college was never a realistic goal for me. At the age of twenty-six I had my first son. While preparing for my stay at the hospital I meet a sweet older lady who worked as labor and delivery nurse. Her mere presents commanded the room. She was so efficient, knowledgeable and had a great personality. She

Throughout my educational experience I noticed the discrepancies with regard to the advantages my peers possessed. In high school as I began exploring what career I wished to pursue, I experienced inferiority as my classmates who’ve taken the ACT three times, visited college campuses, and have had resumes ready since the 6th grade unintentionally mocked my lack of college-readiness. However, my ignorance wasn’t intentional, my parents never reached a high school education in Mexico, they couldn’t pass down SAT tips or acquire internship opportunities for me. I realized it's vital to pick up the pace to avoid being left in the dust akin to countless others in my situation. Henceforth, this statement resonates with my experience, I interpreted

Public school systems need to be more sensitive to their students. Parents play the major role in determining a child’s academic outcome, but the school system needs to notice children who don’t necessarily acknowledge their gift. These children need guidance -- I believe it is the schools’ responsibility to provide it to them. I have been through a situation that makes me feel strongly about the subject. My example is an indisputable case in point.

I find myself reading this short paragraph over and over(above). My topic sentence makes me happy and proud. Going back to school was the best thing I have done. I chose to talk about going back to school to the “future employer” because it shows I am motivated as well as dedicated. This class has brought a lot to my attention. The mannerism that is expected in the “business world” is to speak and write well. It is extremely important to know how to write (type) a meaning full and proper paper whether it is for school or work. I have noticed a great impact in my vocabulary and writing skills. My boss told me on Monday he is impressed with the new docs I typed up for our new clients (with no help from him). I was not excited about this class

In the previous years, I have made the decision to work concurrently with my education. I have been working as a waitress in a local restaurant for years. My parents were opposed to my working since they wanted me to focus on my grades, but I wanted to lessen the financial burden for them. Both of my parents never received an education and they wanted me to solely focus on school to secure myself a better future despite our poverty.

When I was in high school, I wanted to go to college. I wanted to become well educated with a good

The progression of my education goals are as follows: My short term educational goal is to accepted as a nursing student here at York Technical College. My next goal will be to graduate from the nursing program as a Registered Nurse.

I have taken many different college preparatory classes throughout my college career that include: Chemistry 1100, Chemistry 1111, AP English, Trigonometry, College Algebra, and Calculus. These classes are the most difficult I have taken and they are the most difficult the school offers. I believe that these classes have prepared me the best for my post-secondary education from what I learn around the subjects we are taught. To succeed in theses classes you need countless hours and focused effort towards studying. These classes have given me a insight to how I should study for college exams and tests. My Math and English courses will give me a head start when starting my first year of college during the intro period of classes. The courses

Over the past eighteen years I have been alive, there have not been any real challenges I have faced in my pursuit of education. I come from a family of immigrants that managed to find themselves a good life, away from the ghetto and the poverty line, through hard work. Both my parents had to move to a place away from everything they knew to learn English as a second language to give their children, myself included, a better chance at life, and I can gladly say their effort was not in vain. If there was one thing I struggled with in pursuit of my education, it would have to be myself.

My high school education has prepared me for my next steps after graduation. There has been people that have help me get prepared for the next step and some of the education has helped me for the next step. School has prepared me because I known the basic skills needed out in the real world. Like math has help me get prepared for the money troubles and English has helped my right a resume to get a better job.