Greg MD Blog

Scholarship Essay

At sixteen, I lost both of my parents, and with them, the stability and foundation of a home. In an instant, my childhood ended, and I was forced to navigate the world without the guidance and protection that many of my peers took for granted. I never had the chance to finish high school, barely completing the 9th grade with a 1.5 GPA. At that time, I felt as though my future had been written for me, and not in a way I wanted. Yet even in my lowest moments, I carried a quiet belief that one day I could steer my own life in a different direction. I could not change the circumstances of my youth, but I could decide how I responded to them.

For nearly two decades, I built a career in retail management. This career provided me with stability and taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, responsibility, and perseverance. I managed teams of employees, trained others for success, and learned how to guide people toward a common goal. I developed skills in communication, problem-solving, and building trust with diverse groups of people. While I found success in that world, I eventually recognized that my true calling was not only to manage people but to advocate for them. I wanted to be in a position where I could utilize my voice, experience, and eventually, my education to help those who did not know where to turn. That desire to create lasting impact led me back to school.

Returning to education as an adult was not simple. The thought of going back to complete something I had abandoned decades earlier was intimidating. But I took the first step by earning my high school diploma, a milestone that reignited my confidence and reminded me of what was possible when I refused to give up. Once I crossed that finish line, I knew I could not stop there. I enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College to pursue an associate degree in Paralegal Studies. Choosing this field was intentional: I believe that knowledge of the law is one of the most powerful tools a person can have, and I want to dedicate my career to helping people navigate the legal system and find solutions to the challenges they face.

My educational journey has not been without obstacles. During my first semester, the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted classrooms, created financial and personal stress, and left students everywhere wondering what the future would hold. For some, it was a reason to step back. For me, it was a reason to push harder. I adapted to online learning, stayed committed, and leaned on the encouragement of my professors, instructors, and my advisor, Liana. Their belief in me gave me the strength to persevere. From that experience, I learned that success is not about avoiding hardship, but about refusing to let hardship stop you from moving forward.

Looking ahead, I am determined to complete my degree and embark on a career that enables me to advocate for others. My short-term goal is to work as a paralegal, where I can utilize my education, professional background, and personal resilience to support clients and enhance the effectiveness of legal teams. My long-term vision extends beyond a single role. I want to continue my education, earn my bachelor’s degree, and eventually work in areas of law that directly serve vulnerable communities. I know what it feels like to feel powerless, and I want to dedicate my career to helping others find their voice.

Receiving this scholarship would make a profound difference in my life. It would ease the financial burden of my studies, allowing me to focus entirely on my coursework and plans. More than that, it would affirm that my hard work and determination are recognized—that despite where I started, my journey matters. This support would not only help me achieve my academic goals but also position me to give back to others who, like me, have faced adversity but refuse to let it define them.

I have learned through my experiences that setbacks do not define who we are—our determination does. With education, resilience, and the continued support of those who believe in my potential, I will transform my challenges into opportunities to serve, advocate, and inspire.

Writen by: Greg MD