The view from the top of Vernon Hill, a low-income neighborhood in Worcester, MA, is reflective of both of my lineage and my current identity with aspirational career goals. It is also the scene in the opening paragraph of my book that connects my family history with my professional ambitions. My personal story inspires my academic hopes of becoming a lawyer who fights for the underprivileged and helps create access to educational opportunities for them. As Irish immigrants with limited money and no education, my great-grandparents moved to a three-decker house on Vernon Hill. They sought a better life for their children by stressing the importance of education as the key to social and economic mobility. Three generations later, I am a rising sophomore at the College of the Holy Cross, located within a few miles of this neighborhood. Although I am living the American dream, I am keenly aware that many are not blessed with the opportunities that I have been given.
In accordance with the Catholic intellectual tradition of educating men and women for others, my first year at Holy Cross has taught me that the gifts bestowed upon me are best used when I can make a difference in someone else’s life. Therefore, I wonder not how, but if, I can make a difference in the life of an of immigrant child currently residing on Mt. Vernon who needs encouragement and guidance on how to move beyond the limitations of life on Vernon Hill. One child in particular I would like to help seize America’s democratic tradition of opportunity and rise accordingly is Azariah. I have volunteered to tutor her since Kindergarten. She does not understand the critical role that education can play in securing a better life. My book will present a blueprint, teaching her about the value of school and the life journey she can embark on if she dreams of brighter horizons beyond the distraught neighborhood. Azariah, with her big, beautiful, brown eyes and mocha colored skin, has been raised by her mother living on welfare along with her eight brothers and sisters. Her father died before she can remember. I first met Azariah through Ascension, the after-school enrichment program run by St. John’s Parish in Worcester, Massachusetts, where I have volunteered as a big sister since high scchool. The program was created with the mission to provide emotional and academic support for the children who live in this neighborhood and attend one of Worcester’s lowest performing schools, Union Hill School. Azariah’s bear hugs envelop me with love and excitement when she greets me on the three days a week that I spend volunteering to teach her reading and math skills and act as a big sister. When she speaks about her mother’s homeland, it causes me to wonder more about the cultural, linguistic, and social barriers that she confronts at Union Hill School as an immigrant student. Behind her smile and warm embrace is a young girl who has not been given many opportunities to grow and reach her potential. She has trouble concentrating and does not comprehend how studying is going to be of value to her life. My goal in writing this prose is to help Azariah understand that she is a very special child with unlimited talents and abilities. She has the promise of America ahead of her, she just needs to believe in herself. In the memoir dedicated to Azariah, I am composing a collection of essays that shine a light on Azariah’s future. The …show more content…
I understand that at seven years, Azariah is not necessarily concerned with her long-term future. She wonders more if her belly will be full at night and if her fingers will stay warm in the winter. Yet, I want to be more than a tutor; I want to be the role model that makes a difference in Azariah’s life. My hope is that this book will be her treasure map leading her to the endless possibilities of this country and the rewards of education.
In creating this prose, I am making my ancestors proud and taking a step toward upholding the mission of Holy Cross. As I continue to embark on my journey at Holy Cross, I think about all Azariah has taught me about myself. With this book, I will bridge my talents, intellect, and commitment to service to fulfill the Holy Cross mission of “men and women for
In accordance with the Catholic intellectual tradition of educating men and women for others, my first year at Holy Cross has taught me that the gifts bestowed upon me are best used when I can make a difference in someone else’s life. Therefore, I wonder not how, but if, I can make a difference in the life of an of immigrant child currently residing on Mt. Vernon who needs encouragement and guidance on how to move beyond the limitations of life on Vernon Hill. One child in particular I would like to help seize America’s democratic tradition of opportunity and rise accordingly is Azariah. I have volunteered to tutor her since Kindergarten. She does not understand the critical role that education can play in securing a better life. My book will present a blueprint, teaching her about the value of school and the life journey she can embark on if she dreams of brighter horizons beyond the distraught neighborhood. Azariah, with her big, beautiful, brown eyes and mocha colored skin, has been raised by her mother living on welfare along with her eight brothers and sisters. Her father died before she can remember. I first met Azariah through Ascension, the after-school enrichment program run by St. John’s Parish in Worcester, Massachusetts, where I have volunteered as a big sister since high scchool. The program was created with the mission to provide emotional and academic support for the children who live in this neighborhood and attend one of Worcester’s lowest performing schools, Union Hill School. Azariah’s bear hugs envelop me with love and excitement when she greets me on the three days a week that I spend volunteering to teach her reading and math skills and act as a big sister. When she speaks about her mother’s homeland, it causes me to wonder more about the cultural, linguistic, and social barriers that she confronts at Union Hill School as an immigrant student. Behind her smile and warm embrace is a young girl who has not been given many opportunities to grow and reach her potential. She has trouble concentrating and does not comprehend how studying is going to be of value to her life. My goal in writing this prose is to help Azariah understand that she is a very special child with unlimited talents and abilities. She has the promise of America ahead of her, she just needs to believe in herself. In the memoir dedicated to Azariah, I am composing a collection of essays that shine a light on Azariah’s future. The …show more content…
I understand that at seven years, Azariah is not necessarily concerned with her long-term future. She wonders more if her belly will be full at night and if her fingers will stay warm in the winter. Yet, I want to be more than a tutor; I want to be the role model that makes a difference in Azariah’s life. My hope is that this book will be her treasure map leading her to the endless possibilities of this country and the rewards of education.
In creating this prose, I am making my ancestors proud and taking a step toward upholding the mission of Holy Cross. As I continue to embark on my journey at Holy Cross, I think about all Azariah has taught me about myself. With this book, I will bridge my talents, intellect, and commitment to service to fulfill the Holy Cross mission of “men and women for