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| My Inspiration |
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Name: Elyssa Gullo College Attending: Island Trees High School Growing up as a first generation American in her family, my mother faced obstacles that changed her into the person that she is today. English being her second language, there was always a struggle in communication and social interactions. She was forced to learn the ins and outs of a new country with no example to follow. This remarkable feat was made even more astonishing when she was able to smoothly assimilate her brothers into this new world. Not only did she cross the culture barrier that could’ve so easily held her back, but she excelled in ways that didn’t even seem possible. After graduating St. Johns with a psychology degree, she began law school. But with the desire to start a family stronger than her will to complete the next level in education, she left law school. While she was more than content in raising her family, there was always something missing. Throughout her 20 years working as a social worker, my mother continuously felt incomplete. Four years ago, both my parents informed me that my mother would be going back to law school. To a thirteen year old, this meant nothing. I figured my mom would be home a little less and she’d have a locker just like me. But little did I know her changes would turn my life upside down.. Throughout the three grueling years of law school, my mother turned into a completely new person. She had to relearn all the skills she had forgotten from her early school days. Going back to school gave her a new found respect for that busy life I led, and allowed for us to connect on a much deeper level. Although this experience sounds like it was good for everyone involved, there were major setbacks. Because my parents didn’t want to add student loans to all the bills they currently had to pay, our family had to make major cutbacks. Since my sweet sixteen was approaching and being a teenager who wants it all, I didn’t know what to expect. But seeing how happy law school made my mother, and how much she needed that new start, my extravagant party seemed miniscule. As the BAR exam also quickly approached at the same time as my party, living with a law student became a nightmare. I had to assume most of the responsibilities that were now being neglected because of her constant studying. This helped me learn how to support myself when necessary and how to become independent. With the values my mother instilled in me, I learned to put family first and that their happiness was much more important than my own. Seeing her go back to school and fulfill her dreams shows me that I can do it too, and that I shouldn’t let anything get in my way. To know that I helped her accomplish something that she so long aspired to achieve is the most rewarding feeling. Watching her complete this goal has shown me that it’s never too late to get what you want from life and that when you know what you want, you go and get it. My mother is truly an inspiration and I’m proud to say she’s my hero. |
