LIFE Lessons – Essay Category First Runner-Up
Solano Community College
Hometown: Vacaville, CA

My mom and dad planned what was for dinner, what we would wear for the family photo, and what movies to watch.  They never planned for my dad passing away when I was twelve.  The financial strain, in addition to the mourning process was unbearable at times.  For me, my frustrations turned to anger that dominated my teenage years.

I’m sure my dad would have believed in life insurance if he knew that within two years of his passing, my mom’s job of twenty-one years would shut down.  Months later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She survived, although her mobility and mentality hasn’t fully recovered due to the surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.  My mom felt financially obligated to support the baby my fifteen-year-old sister gave birth to.  Later, my grandfather moved in to recover from heart surgery.

As the unwanted appointed, “man of the house,” I did what my dad never wanted me to do, put work first and education last.  My GPA dropped from a 4.0 to a .83 within two semesters.  I feared my school would revoke my workers permit and some “chump” in a suit would evict us from our home.

My emptiness was filled with frustration that turned to anger.  I even played the, “Why me?” role.  I was mad at everybody who didn’t have it hard, “like me.”  I especially despised students who said, “My parents are going to pay my way through college!”  Although no one ever told me life was easy, I never imagined it would turn out the way it did.  I couldn’t adjust to the changes, and unfortunately, took it out on the only person that has always believed and supported me, my mom.

Only a mother as dedicated and understanding as mine could forgive the inconsiderate things I said, something I have not forgiven myself for.  It wasn’t until the passing of my godmother when I realized life was too short to be mad.  Instead of complaining about everything, I would change it.

I work full time in a Hematology/Oncology clinic and attend night and weekend courses as the first in my family to not only attend college, but also be a surgical doctor!  However, I never realized how expensive school is.  The rise in tuition, books, gas, vehicle maintenance, and updated technology has left me severely in debt.  My mom suggested I “take a break from school,” and work two jobs until my debt is paid off.

I’m grateful for the priceless memories I have of my dad.  I’m grateful that my mom didn’t pass away and at my second chance for a higher education.  The only guarantee in life is death.  Call it destiny, karma, or God’s plan; it’s just the way it is.  Although we can never plan when, we can plan that the financial burden left to our surviving family can be eased by investing in something as simple as life insurance.

Would you like to place a donation to help support the LIFE Lessons Scholarship Fund? Click here.

Share this