College Moment: The Journey of a Mom and a Student

Yesterday, I was the recipient of (not one, but) two scholarship awards from Cypress College: 1) the Worthy Student Award presented by Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union; and 2) Boeing - Achievement Award. Each of these had a significant amount that will help tremendously to offset some higher educational costs.

While although tuition fees are lower than any university by far, book costs alone are sky-rocketing every semester at record rate. Despite the sustantial financial support given by Cypress College, it never fails to find myself wallowing in some unexpected financial bind that deters me from actually saving the monies I worked very hard at obtaining.

The purpose of this blog is twofold:

1. I must humbly apologize for my gripe sessions I had earlier in the semester, particularly that of my English class: Critical Reading and Analysis. This class was to be conducted entirely online, but I had scheduled two on-campus meetings with my professor to discuss my grade and some of the comments she made on my essays. I actually believed my professor was "singling" me out of the rest and even thought she disliked me from the get-go. That is hardly the case!!! I'll explain later.
2. I want to strongly encourage those of you who feel like "giving it up" and "tossing in the white towel" to stay diligent. Stay focused, stay on-task and NEVER give up. Good things come to those who wait. I'm a living testament of this. I, too, wanted to give up. In fact, because of my English teacher, I almost changed my minor from English to something else. I'm glad I didn't listen to myself (for once).

I learned yesterday, as my English professor took the podium as emcee to welcome one and all the Cypress College Scholarship Award Ceremony, that she was the chairperson for the scholarships committee. Immediately my jaw dropped 3 feet (1 yard) lower to the ground. I did NOT know that. I became instantly humbled. I have to admit she was the last person I expected would be the chair let alone recommend me for any of the scholarships being offered. I later learned that she and Dr. Mosqueda-Ponce were two in the committee that orchestrated my application to be considered for these awards. I was doubly humbled.

Lesson learned: keep striving for what you believe in. I know now that if you put your best effort forward, those that are there to mentor, teach and educate are on your side. They, too, want you to succeed. It's a win-win situation for all.