College Essay Final Revision

The Framed Recognition Awards

When you look at me, you may think I’m just a normal little teenager. However, if you take a look at my work, it’s much greater. My friends and classmates have always wished to be like me, but I don’t consider myself as the “smartest” or as the “perfect” child that many refer me too. They realize my dedication, commitment, and effort that I put into everything that I do, everything that I am passionate about. Each day, many people go to me for help. They’re either asking me for advice or methods on how to solve a math problem. I have to admit that the feeling of helping others really gives me the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. However, the person that I am today wouldn’t have become if it wasn’t for the most important person in my life - my mom.

In truth, I was very foolish and immature when I was younger. I always desired material things and free time in the outdoors. To me, pushing aside homework was no big deal. All I had to do was leave it in my binder untouched. However, this all changed when I reached the 5th grade. From there, my journey to success began.

The school bell rang and the sound stretched from one end of the campus to the other.

“Finally! School is over,” I said to myself as I cleared my desk.

In my view, school was merely an interference rather than a benefit to my life. Quickly packing my things, I dashed across the classroom, but my teacher stopped me in my tracks. There was a certain disappointment in her face and I wasn’t in the mood to listen.

“Shaneika, I’m holding a parent-teacher conference with your mom today. So, you should stay here for the remainder of the time until she arrives.”

I wasn’t so surprised. This wasn’t the first time anyway. However, it seemed odd that I was the only one with a conference at that very moment. I looked around as my classmates left for the school bus. In no time, a foot stepped in through the front door. A Louis Vuiton bag hung from her arm - it was my mom. I watched in confusion as my mom shook my teacher’s hand. I knew I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t attempt to hurt someone or anything. So, what was the conference going to be about anyway?

My teacher invited me to sit with them. She pulled out a manila folder from her side. In it was a thin yellow paper. There were grid lines on it, similar to the appearance of a report card. She flipped it over. I read the letters: N-N-N-N-N across the entire math section and in one of the other sections. Above it: Shaneika Aguilar. I was in total shock. I slumped into my seat and sighed. I felt my chest drop and it was as if I had totally given up in everything. During the rest of the conference, I could only recognize my mom’s facial expression. Her lips were pressed together and her eyebrows formed seriousness with her eyes. She continuously looked at me and gave me the death glare. Discouragement filled my insides and I just wanted to escape.

Driving home, my mom lectured me.

“From now on, I will not let you watch TV, play with your friends, go on the computer, or go shopping at all. Not until I see a big improvement in your grades.”

I held my ears with my hand, attempting to block out what she was saying, but it was no use.

“You should be taking your education seriously because when I was younger, schooling was difficult. We were less fortunate and life in the Philippines was not easy as life here in America. You should be thankful that you can actually go to school because many kids around the world would die to be in your place right now!”

I closed my eyes as tightly as I could, but the images of poverty and malnourished African children filled my mind. It was all I could see.

I ran up into my room and slammed my door before anyone could enter. I paced around my room and constantly jumped up and down. I screamed into my pillow as loud as I could. She aggravated me and I felt hopeless.

It’s been an hour and I couldn’t stay in my room any longer. It was just too much isolation. I slowly opened my door and looked around, making sure my mom was nowhere near. I crept into my grandparents’ room and next to them, was the computer room. The door to the computer room was open halfway. I peeked through and someone was already sitting on the rolling chair. I jerked back. Books and binders filled the place. I looked at the screen and I saw my mom’s reflection. I was curious, so I observed a little bit. Carefully examining the books and cross-referencing, she seemed very thorough and accurate. Her posture was upright and her eyes were fixed on the computer screen.

I was afraid that she might lecture me again. So, I headed back through the room and into the hallway. I constantly turned back to ensure that she wasn’t following me. Unknowingly, I tripped over a box. I noticed that my dad was vacuuming the room and had escorted the boxes out. However, the box I tripped over seemed a little different from the rest. There was a golden rimmed picture frame that stuck out. I slowly pulled it out. I expected a picture, but across the top, it was written: Certificate of Recognition Gina Aguilar. In amazement, I rummaged through the box and found many of them. Her pictures and her recognitions were all in there, along with my dad’s certificates as well. The titles that they achieved seemed very prestigious and professional. I felt intimidated and I began to question myself.

“YES!” A voice came from the computer room.

It was my mom. She ran out, waving the telephone in her hands. In excitement, she headed straight to where my dad was. I was curious so I crept to the edge of the door to eavesdrop.

“Honey!!! I got promoted!!”

At that moment, I realized how amazing my mom was.

That evening. We all sat at the dinner table - my grandparents, parents, uncle, aunt, and my cousin. My mom looked at me with disappointment and shook her head as she turned to eat her dinner.

“I had a conference with Shaneika’s teacher today. She failed her class.” My mom broke the silence.

My eyes widened and I was appalled at what I heard. Everyone turned to look at me. I couldn’t believe it. She exposed me and she actually had the nerve to embarrass me.

In Ilokano: “Oh no. You’re going to end up like the homeless people living on the streets.

They all shook their head as they compared me to the rejects who couldn’t graduate high school. I felt offended.

“She’s going to end up like that girl you know.....”

At that moment, I felt a certain guilt rush over me. I excused myself from the table and headed to my room. There, I began to think in solitude. After a few minutes of silence, I realized what I’ve been doing wrong.

That experience became the turning point in my life. I became so determined to do what I can do now. Today, I am an over achiever. One who is passionate about everything. One who will analyze every detail and make sure that they are all accurate. One who is never willing to give up, but keeps on going. One who will always try their best to endure trials and persevere even when difficult times try to tear me down. However, it’s not my natural born talent. These qualities had to be developed for many years and I thank my family, especially my mom, for opening my eyes to reality. Her perseverance, endurance, and her “striving for the best” mindset inspired me. When I realized the joy it came to being successful, I desired to become like her. I have to admit that I am much like my mother now. Even when times are hard or when I’m struggling from challenges, I do what I can. My mom stuck with me and she didn’t give up on me. She kept on trying to alert me when I was younger, but each time I was blinded. Today, I am thankful. Thankful for everything and all she has done for me. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Now, I am confident. I will continue my education and I will work so that I can help repay my mom and my entire family for having faith and confidence in me.