Inspiring Essays from Scholarship Recipients
Explore heartfelt essays from past American Dream Fund Scholarship winners.
Bullying is a major problem today. Think of a time you personally witnessed someone being treated unfairly or excluded because of their race, appearance, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other reason. Describe exactly what happened, what you did or said in that moment, and how it affected you. Then explain what you learned about standing up for others and how it might guide your actions in the future. Focus only on your own experience, not hypothetical scenarios.
I was sitting in class one day when my friend, who is openly gay, entered my class to turn in an assignment. Once he left, two guys sitting next to me immediately began whispering and tittering to one another period usually, I would just roll my eyes and tune them out, but something told me to listen in. At once, I heard one of them make a comment about how my friend was weird. It was such an unnecessary observation and clearly directed towards him because of his sexual orientation, considering he didn’t do anything worth noting when in the classroom for a few months.
My friend wasn’t there to defend himself, and even if he was, I knew that he wouldn’t pay any mind to the bullying, as he wasn’t ashamed of who he was. It felt wrong to just let this slip by, like a betrayal of our friendship, if I just sat idly and let them verbally criticize someone who I hold very dear to me. So, despite my typically meek nature, I found myself turning in my chair, facing them with a pointed look as I simply asked what was so weird about him.
It would have been comical in any other context, how such a basic question could leave people fumbling. Their bravado was gone in an instant, as they tiptoed around a real answer and became noticeably embarrassed, their faces reddening. My own face felt hot as multiple eyes watched our altercation, but before they could come up with anything, I interrupted them, snapping at them that there was nothing wrong with my friend, so they shouldn’t talk about him like that. They were silent the rest of the class, and I made a point to mention it to the teacher at the end of the period for good measure. I felt something akin to satisfaction and relief as I witnessed my teacher pull them for a lecture as the bell rang.
This experience has stuck with me since because it displayed the audacity people can have to say something negative as long as it is not to your face, and if they believe that nobody will hold them accountable for it. Staying quiet may seem like the easier, less anxiety-inducing option at the moment, but it can also permit bullying and antagonism to become normalized within one’s community. If I am a witness to similar situations of disrespect, I will absolutely stand up for those who are bullied, even if I feel apprehensive, because even the smallest confrontations toward injustice can make a major impact and how people treat one another.
-Paisley Walker
The Declaration of Independence states ” all men are created equal ” and America is often called ” the land of opportunity.” Do you believe America provides equal opportunity for everyone? If not, in what ways does our nation and our community fall short of these values? Answer by describing a situation from your school, neighborhood, or community that directly influenced your view.
I do not believe access to opportunity is equal for everyone.
I saw this clearly through my best friend’s experience growing up. He moved frequently between homes and struggled with instability in his early education. By the time we were older, he was still working to reach grade level reading, something most students had achieved years earlier. I remember helping him study and realizing how far behind he had started through no fault of his own.
His family’s financial situation and involvement with CPS made it difficult for him to have consistent support. Even though he worked hard to catch up, he began at a disadvantage compared to others. That experience showed me that while opportunity exists, access to it often depends on circumstances outside a person’s control.
-Kate Crum
There were many civil rights activists who have furthered causes supporting democratic values. Describe a specific time in your life when a civil rights activist has made a lasting impression on you. Explain where you were, who was involved, what you remember seeing or hearing, and how that moment influenced a choice you later made. Focus only on your personal experience, not general history.
In 3rd grade, my teacher showed me a Brainpop video of Rosa Parks. Her story inspired me to take a stand for what I believe in. I know her story like the back of my hand. I remember in the eighth grade, my teacher said he isn’t required to teach about Rosa Parks. I grew livid. How can someone ignore a well-known movement? Most people know sit-ins were primarily in diners, and Rosa Parks made it mobile. Anytime I get to mention someone who represents minorities, she will always be my example. She fought for herself and all colored women. As a part of that category, I show my appreciation. I plan to make a difference in the world like she did.
-Emma Hernandez
As a new voter choose two essential qualities you believe a candidate must have. Explain each using a specific experience, person or moment from your own life that shaped your view. Describe one behavior you’ve personally observed in your community school or public life that would immediately disqualify a candidate for you and explain why.
There are multiple things to consider when choosing whom to elect. Some people choose to only look at policies while others look at the politician’s personal life as well. The two essential qualities I think any candidate should possess include an openness to change and truthfulness. In my personal experience, I have more faith in those who are open to change. They show how they can adapt to different situations.
While I’m working , want others to be willing to compromise. It’s a part of being involved in something collaborative. When a couple has been together for a long period of time, they are likely to move in together. In addition to moving in, they have to compromise on what they should get rid of and bring. For example, I have a large collection of books. If I were to move in with someone else, I would expect to bring them with me. The other person would have to have an open mind to accept this change in their familiar environment. If a candidate isn’t open to change, how can they succeed in their job? There are multiple different belief groups, and you have to do what is right for the greater good.
People follow others when they tell the truth. It’s similar to the boy who cried wolf. He lied so much that it caused others to not believe him. If candidates do the same, why would anyone believe a word they say? I work in childcare, so I have a lot of experience dealing with children who don’t always tell the truth. When it’s the same child telling lies it makes it hard to trust them. I simply cannot elect an official if they do not tell the truth.
-Hannah Marshall