African-American Heritage - Admission/Application Essay Example

She passed along a strong work ethic to my great-grandmother, my grandmother Gloria Johnson, and then to my mother Tammy Evans. My mother has taught me that hard work and determination can demolish any blockade to my dreams and goals. The struggles of my forebears and the determination they’ve shown inspired me to want to help add on to the life they have provided by becoming college educated. Since much of my inspiration has come from a strong foundation in my cultural roots, it has always been a dream of mine to attend a historically black college.

My American educational experience has been shaped further by the teamwork and individual dedication I learned as a member of my high school’s varsity soccer and track teams. I also have had the opportunity to learn the difference a single person can make through the volunteer work I’ve done at Kaiser Hospital. Although I have been the minority in my classes, on my teams and amongst my peers all my life, I have retained a strong sense of pride regarding my heritage and am certain attendance at a historically black college will reinforce these ties.

My background has made it possible for me to learn to work well with others regarding color, race, and creed, but I am seeking a home at college and an opportunity to build on my connection with other African-American students as we work on our goals, ideas and dreams together. I’m not exactly sure what my major will be, but I’m considering a degree in science or sociology. I believe these interests are shaped by my family and friends as well. The women in my family have always been bold explorers, willing to take on a world full of new challenges in order to find a better way of living into the future.

While honoring my own background, I have noticed that it is often significantly different from those of my friends, who do not share the same African-American experience.