Growing up, I never pictured myself being where I am today. I've faced many challenges to reach my goal. I've been through so much in my childhood that I never thought I'd make it out. I've suffered from abuse and neglect. I never had any expectations of myself because no one else did. I've felt alone, washed up, and beaten my whole life. I came from a low-income family struggling to make ends meets. I had no friends growing up because I was afraid to open up and speak my mind. I was afraid of what people might think of me because of how I dressed or how I looked. My mom was my only provider and my rock. My mother raised my siblings and I while working three jobs and going to school. She accomplishes all of her goals while struggling with a abusive relationship with my father. I look up to my mom because she's been through so much and still managed to get her master's in nursing. When I was 12, I told myself I'm going to be just like my mother. My greatest fear was that I would not go far in life. I want to experience what the world had to offer. I wanted to make a difference on those who isn't as fortunate in life. .
I've come along way and I achieved so much. Being a student with financial needs with no steady income, I could never experience traveling around the world. This is why having the opportunity to study abroad is important to me. I want to be able to experience other culture. I am searching for new growth and challenges outside my comfort zone. The Gilman scholarship will give me the opportunity to see and experience another side of the world that I've never seen before. Ever since I attended Savannah State University, I realized that there is so much more to the world then what I come into contact with an everyday basis. Although, I've come across many obstacles in my life, I learned a lot along the way. I .
I decided to study abroad because I believe that being able to travel to other countries will help me with my need for a newfound growth and challenges that will prepare me for my future aspirations.