Postsecondary Program Important to You,

¶ … postsecondary program important to you, and what do you hope to achieve once you get a degree?

My major is sociology with UMASS-Boston. My GPA is 3.30. Here is its requirement postsecondary degree in Sociology is quite important to me for a number of reasons. I am the first person in my family to attend college, and completing my Sociology degree will be one of my proudest achievements, and an equally proud moment for my family. However, higher education means much more to me than simply a degree and pride. A postsecondary education means opportunity for me, my family, and the family I hope to raise someday. My degree will open new doors for me, an allow me to reach some of my fondest dreams. I have always wanted to work with people, and I believe my degree in Sociology will help me achieve that goal with understanding and empathy. I hope to be teacher of sociology, with a special interest in women's studies. Thus, I can share my passion for knowledge and understanding with others, and hopefully help break down some of the barriers between the races and sexes that are so prevalent in our country. Studying sociology has helped me to understand that we, as a people, have many more commonalities than we have differences. Unfortunately, many people do not understand this, and I feel this one reason there are so many prejudices in our country. People need to learn that we are all basically the same, even if our skin color or religion is different.

Many people in my life have influenced these thoughts and dreams I have. When I was attending San Fernando High School in California, one of my teachers was very special to me. Her name was Mrs. Wright, and she taught her class from a wheelchair because of a car accident she had been in several years before. Many people would have allowed their disability to make them bitter and angry at the world, but not Mrs. Wright. She taught her students with love and compassion, and taught us never to feel sorry for our conditions or ourselves but to always strive to do the best we could, no matter what. She was a living example of that. She taught, raised a family, and competed in wheelchair Olympic events. I looked forward to my time in her classroom, and to discussing my future with her. She made me realize that we all have differences and even "handicaps if you will. It is how we deal with them that makes us great achievers and human beings. Mrs. Wright dealt with her difficulties with strength and charm, and gave me the courage to journey on in my own education. Now, I hope to emulate my favorite teacher and bring my own unique voice and vision to the classroom. Mrs. Wright made a difference with her students, and I hope to do the same.

My mother has always been a great influence in my life, too. She came to this country from Asia, and struggled to make a life here with my father. They did not speak much English, and they had little money when they came to the United States, but they worked hard and were determined to put their children through college. I will be the first to graduate, and so I owe my parents a great debt. My mother has always expected me to do my best and excel at whatever I do. I have struggled in this country and with some of my classes, but I feel that my 3.30 grade average at UMASS in Boston is a good representation of my abilities and my determination. I want to continue in my studies because I know that to excel in my career, I must graduate and continue with an advanced degree, and this is part of my plan for the future. I hope to teach, to make a difference with my students, and to continue with my education to learn and grow as much as possible. I think that education is the key to the future, for both my future students and me, and so, continuing my education is a natural progression of my goals, dreams, and hopes for the future.

How will a StraightForward Media Dale E. Fridell Scholarship help you meet your educational and professional goals?"

The Fridell Scholarship will help me achieve my educational and professional goals in a number of ways. First, it will allow me to continue my education and graduate. I have helped earn the money to put myself through college, and it has been difficult to work, study, and attend classes. The scholarship would give me some breathing room in my work, while allowing me to graduate in a timely manner. In addition, the scholarship is a stepping-stone to my career and professional goals. I hope to teach sociology, and completing my degree at UMASS-Boston is the first step in achieving my goal. Continuing my education is another step, and I plan to continue with a Masters degree after I establish myself as a teacher. The scholarship will help me build a strong foundation that will serve me well throughout the years.