Are Those Skills Enough to Pursue a Degree in Computer Information Systems at the University of Houston - Scholarship Essay Example

Scholarship Essay As I am an immigrant to this country, I have had to adapt to a culture that is not my own. Coming from Colombia and being in my late forties, I had very little going for me. I could not speak English and at times felt overwhelmed with what I was experiencing. For the first two years of living here in America, I struggled to fit into society. However, I was determined to forge a better life for me and my children. No challenge was too great that I couldn’t overcome it if I tried hard enough.

At first, the only job that I could get was as a hotel cleaning lady. In 2008, I took the first step to feeling like I belonged here—I began taking English classes at the HCC. From these humble beginnings, I progressed to the point where I was able to begin taking college classes, specifically to do with computers. From here my English improved so much that I was able to pass my citizenship exams just last year. Although I will always be treated as an outsider, I now feel proud to call America my home.

The skills that I have picked up on will help me in my pursuit of a degree in Computer Information Systems at the University of Houston. A scholarship will greatly assist me in reaching my goal of completing my degree in Computer Information Systems. I believe that I deserve this not only for my educational achievements, but also for the volunteer work that I have done in the community. I am someone who always likes to give back to the community because I feel that everyone has helped me so much along the way.

I am an approved TDCJ volunteer and have participated in the TDCJ Mentoring Program. The main tasks that I have been involved with as a volunteer include fostering care and support, encouraging personal development, assisting in personal visioning, and developing active community partnerships. I feel that this experience has not only helped me as a person, but has also made me appreciate this country that I now call home. For the mentoring program, the objective is to establish a trust-based relationship with accountability and responsibility from both the mentor and the mentee.

As I have been a mentor with this program, it has been great to listen to the stories of people who come to me with their problems. I feel privileged to be able to offer suggestions and help in any way that I can. Even though my work as a volunteer and a mentor is not directly related to my degree, I feel that I have gained other invaluable skills that will assist me in the future. Looking towards the future, I would like to further my pursuit of knowledge so that I can help others who may need it.

I don’t want to be someone who expands learns something and then never uses it productively. I want to give back to my community and my country by using my degree to assist others in the pursuit of their goals.