My Life Story: Overcoming Challenges to Make a Positive Impact - Essay Sample

Introduction

My life story is one that has been full of ups and downs that I believe are worth sharing and can contribute to positive change in my community. One of the most challenging moments of my life was when I first came to the United States from Armenia. Being a non-English speaking person, I found myself in unfamiliar territory where I first considered myself an outsider. I could not communicate with anyone, as I did not know a single word in English. Despite this obstacle, I did not give up but remained focused on ensuring that I learned some few words per day by hearing what people were saying and their associated acts or behaviors. I also got enrolled in ESL classes which helped me boost my self-confidence and willingness to learn the language.

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I did not fear to make mistakes while learning the language— which helped me to learn faster. However, in the first few months of coming to the United States, my accent was still heavy. Therefore, I was considered bilingual by my teachers. This was the most challenging time of my life because I was seen differently by my classmates, given my little knowledge of the language. I felt lonely at first as I could not make many friends as I would have liked to because of the language barrier. However, the few friends that I made helped enhance my self-efficacy beliefs in learning English as a second language. They always encouraged me to learn by making mistakes and participate in classroom discussions to bolster my knowledge and skills in the language. Within some few years, I had mastered the English language and could now tackle my studies with ease.

The challenges that I encountered as an immigrant with limited knowledge of English has also inspired me to help other individuals achieve their dreams in my community. Specifically, in the past five years, I have been at the forefront of mentoring young Armenian girls. I have strived to ensure that the girls reach their full potential by making them understand what education can help them accomplish in their lives. I have utilized multiple strategies to get this done. First, I have championed for validation of Armenian girls’ goals and dreams. To accomplish this, I have encouraged girls to set their goals and develop strategies towards attaining them. It is worth noting that helping girls to set their girls is crucial in fostering their self-esteem and bettering their mental health.

Second, I support young Armenian girls’ dreams and goals by encouraging them to practice independent decision-making. I believe that autonomy in decision-making is crucial in helping young girls make their own academic and life choices. Regarding this approach, I discuss with them ways in which they can improve their current strategies to reach their goals. I believe that allowing every girl to make her own decisions is crucial in making them feel respected and confident to own their choices and their lives.

Moreover, I mentor young girls by encouraging positive peer relationships. This approach is anchored on the fact that social support is a crucial component of adolescence— especially when they do not receive support from immediate family members. It is worth noting that adolescents’ capacity to build a positive relationship with others is vital in mentoring because it builds trust and respect. Such connections help girls to feel that they have crucial social support which allows them to stay in school and reach their goals.

In my five-year mentorship program, I have helped guide and uplift the young girls. Specifically, I have focused my efforts on ensuring that the girls attain higher education. To accomplish this goal, I have focused my efforts on motivating the girls to finish their high school education. One of the approaches that I employ in motivating students to complete their high school education and proceed for higher education is making them understand that natural abilities do not determine success. Instead, I encourage students to work hard and become dedicated to their studies if they have to attain mastery and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, I motivate students to transit to college and universities by helping them set their short-term and long-term academic goals. Goal-setting is essential because it has helped students to track their educational programs. In addition to setting goals, I have also established a reward program for those who attain these goals. The development of incentive programs is crucial in inspiring students always to strive to beat their personal best.

I have also used my life story and challenges to encourage to do their best to accomplish their academic goals. Specifically, I have narrated to them the problems that I faced while coming to America— especially my not knowing a single English word. Specifically, I always tell them they can attain their dreams if they remain focused based on the fact that I am now completing masters of science in nursing despite not knowing any English word when I first came to the United States. I came to America as a female Armenian (minority) at age 10, went through a lot of schools to receive a bachelor’s degree, become an independent female, standing to my beliefs of education and pursuing my goals. Because of this, I also encourage the girls to strive to become independent rather than relying on others, especially the men, to attain their daily needs.

Apart from academic accomplishments, my Armenian cultural background was a hurdle in my academic and overall life journey. In my culture, a woman should get married while still young and raise her family. Because of this, I got married while still young. However, as I became older, I realized that I made the wrong decision. Consequently, I divorced at age 20 because I was too young to understand what marriage was. This caused a rift with my parents. I went through a stage where my parents did not talk to me for months because I had different views from them. I also share this story with my mentees to enable them to understand the power of making independent decisions. By deciding to divorce, I have accomplished a lot academically and entrepreneurially. I am a successful medical spa owner and an aspiring family nurse practitioner— which I hope to attain soon. I also strive to pursue positive change in my community by standing up for what is morally right and what I believe in— especially women empowerment. Through my life story, the young Armenian girls have found the motivation to pursue their dreams and girls no matter the challenges they currently face.