Scholarship prompt essay

I was born and raised in Honduras, a Central American nation with a variety of natural resources and many natural and cultural attractions. Although my country does not lack in beauty or appeal, it has gained a reputation for being one of the most dangerous countries due to its high rate of poverty, crime, and government corruption.  The terrible effect this has had on our daily lives, in regards to street violence, the increase in gangs or the ability to trust political leaders has been significant in recent years. However, these very issues are what motivate me to pursue a degree in Business Administration, which I hope will provide me with the skills and knowledge to return to Honduras and contribute to improving the reality of my country.

My grandparents are French, Jordanian and Honduran, something for which I am truly grateful for because this multicultural background has constantly exposed me to different cultures. It has taught me the importance of respecting others customs, beliefs and values. Having been a part of the soccer team for several years has made me very competitive but has simultaneously allowed me to understand better the importance of being a team player. 

Living in Honduras, community service was not an option but a responsibility. Of all my experiences, the most fulfilling ones have been volunteering at “Loving Hands” and the “Cultural Center Art and Friendship Paris-Tegu”, where I witnessed firsthand how becoming involved and developing a relationship with low income youth can change their perspective, provide optimism for their future and help distance them from social risks. 

I have followed a bilingual education (English/Spanish) since preschool in Honduras, achieving a GPA of 93% at the end of high school, which was very useful to gain admission to Northern Virginia Community College.  Soon after, I received an invitation to become a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. That opened a big opportunity to attend Marymount University, as I received a big scholarship. I graduated as Suma Cum Laude as a member of Phi Theta Phi.

Tuition fees for international students in the United States are several times higher than for domestic students, which is why, although accepted at a very good University in Virginia right after high school, I had to decline, heartbroken, because my parents could not afford it. Now that I finished college I am working in a Lending company putting my noodle into practice. This year of work has motivated me to pursue my Masters Degree in finance and economics. However, without a scholarship, I face a barrier difficult to overcome as my parents finance my college education as well as my two brothers’ with a currency that constantly loses value in front of the US dollar.

Receiving a scholarship would change my life. I truly am not exaggerating given that the only way I can afford to go to a university and continue my education is by receiving financial help. As an international student I am very limited to financial help. Educational costs are almost tripled and it is very difficult for an international student to continue education past an associate’s degree. The reason I have been working so hard since I first entered college is because since the first day I knew it would be near impossible for my parents and I to afford it.  Receiving this scholarship would be life changing given that I will be able to finish my degree, prosper in life, and continue working towards my goals. By receiving this scholarship, I could prove not only to myself but also to my parents that my hard work paid off. I will have demonstrated that I can work hard by myself to achieve what I want in life. This would help me not only believe more in myself, but also in the things that I am capable of accomplishing throughout my life.  

Transition from one country to another has been smooth and very enriching so I can foresee that my ability to adapt to new environments and demands will become my ability to compete. I want to make a difference by integrating social responsibility as a core value in any field of work and I´m looking for the right leadership to steer me towards that path.

BAU’s faculty represent expertise, practical business experience, and cultural diversity of enormous range.  I am very much interested in your majors 

My career goal is to be able to lead a company to success by innovating ideas and make business connections not only at a national level but worldwide. Given my social and leadership characteristics, I want to be able to make an impact of change. In 2 years I look at myself working for a big business as a leader and innovator. I see myself inspiring others to work hard and feel happy about the results. I would like to return to my home country (Honduras) to put all of my skills and knowledge into practice. I would like to help those with undiscovered potential by giving them the opportunity to achieve their dreams. By working in a company that makes connections worldwide I could combine individuals from two different countries to work together as one and unite their ideas to create something extraordinary.