The U.S Coast Guard Scholarship

The U.S Coast Guard Scholarship
The choices one makes turn out to be the definition of who that person is. Sometimes, it is best if someone takes his or her own path despite the fact that they will solely rely on their instincts for guidance. I do not mean to say that other people’s opinions are irrelevant. As much as listening to other people’s ideas broadens one’s scope of understanding, there comes a time when drawing a line is necessary. After all, it is an individual’s life that is in question.
It goes without saying that parents have their children’s interest at heart; however, what most of them fail to comprehend is that their kids have different passions, whether inborn or developed through experience. Identifying and nurturing one’s dream is a personal effort that even the most loving parents cannot manage. My career choice to join the United States Coast Guard is a personal decision that has surpassed all the cons thrown right in my face.
Listening to a story about someone who has grown up in the ghetto is one thing. Actually growing up in the ghettos is an entirely different thing. I have spent nineteen of my years in the hood; therefore when I speak of insecurity I have an idea of what it means. Carjacking, drug abuse, rape cases- all are the order of the day in the ghetto. Unfortunately, my brothers seem to be living their lives as members of the gangs endangering the community.
It is so sad to see most youths destroy their lives with drug and substance abuse. Who can be proud to be associated with a violent community? I am ashamed of my community.

Joining the Coast Guard, therefore, means that keeping my community and others safe from the naughty ghetto boys will be my priority. This is because the Coast Guard serves in the Department of Homeland Security when the country is at peace on an international basis.
My passion for this career has been motivated by different factors including life – and near death experiences. I vividly recall almost drowning in a local pool when I was ten years old only to wake up in the arms of a beautiful lady. She looked at me in such a caring manner, though I could tell she had been scared that I would not make it. How could a total stranger show so much concern for my life? Her actions touched my heart such that I swore to myself that I owe the community my life; therefore I will dedicate it to serving people.
My mother is a single parent who cannot raise my school fees all by herself. She runs small businesses so as to make ends meet. Even though joining the army breaks her heart, she still supports my dream. My father’s only contribution in my life is scolding me about my career choice and instilling fear in me about how I may not last a year before I am killed by pirates. According to my dad, army men are cowards who risk their lives for people they do not know.
Finally, Douglas Albert is my external motivator since he is my role model in the armed forces. Albert’s excellent and impressive efforts earned him the highest military award in the U.S military, the Medal of Honor. Apart from appreciating the lady who saved me and the desire to keep all communities safe, I hope to be the best coast guard the U.S has ever had.