Alemany Student Karla Mojica(12) Wins The Catholic Education Foundation Essay Contest

Karla Mojica
 
Bishop Alemany High School
 
The greatest gift I can envision is being seen, heard and understood in a way I can impact and make a difference in a person’s life. My mind tells me to never live life unnoticed, but my heart tells me that the best and most beautiful things and actions in the world cannot be seen or touched, but felt with the heart. My name is Karla Mojica and I am a senior at Bishop Alemany High School. Through my struggles and challenges, I have learned to be the best person I can be, whether it is through giving back to the community or simply showing my gratitude through a simple donation. I have learned to contribute because I have come to realize that giving back is the least I can do to show my appreciation to the Foundations that have helped me (and my family) get through financial hardships.
 
I believe that there are no limits to my dreams and accomplishments as long as I put forth a mindset that comes together with the keys to life, known to me as dedication and determination. My principles have influenced my academic and personal long term goals by believing education must be taken seriously and taken advantage of when the opportunity is there. My values have influenced me and made me realize that without my hardworking parents, I would not be where I am today.
 
I was born to poor, immigrant parents who came to the United States to begin a new journey in life. Through difficult, and at times, overwhelming jobs and tough sacrifices, my parents have always put my brother’s and my well being before anything else. Because of their financial instability, my parents have had to work twice as hard. Coming from a Hispanic family with low financial income has not been easy, but through the high and low points of our lives, my parents have provided my brother and me with a private education no matter what the sacrifice. Through them, I have learned that education is a very important aspect of my life. They have encouraged me and inspired me to find my inner voice and strive for my goals.
 
My Catholic education has inspired me to give back by contributing to my community by volunteering and donating to those most in need. In the past, I have volunteered at Providence Holy Cross Hospital and Habitat for Humanity. I have also donated goods to the Salvation Army and Goodwill. Contributing to the community has taught me the importance of leadership skills that I have put into action through leading religious retreats at my school and volunteering in hospitals. When I volunteered at the hospital, I was involved in the Nutrition Department where I would fill out various types of dietary menus and deliver patients’ food. I would also translate for Spanish speaking patients and help them to better understand information dealing with their health.
In conclusion, having received tuition assistance from the Catholic Education Foundation throughout my high school education has made me realize how fortunate I am to be supported by such a wonderful organization. I am profoundly thankful for having such a helpful foundation that has helped me receive a Catholic education. Without the support of the Catholic Education Foundation, it would very difficult to pay for full tuition. I appreciate the fact that there are Catholic Education Foundation donors that do not even know me personally, but still support me and believe in my potential.. In the near future, I look forward to being able to give back to this magnificent foundation that has given many students, as well as myself, the opportunity to attend a Catholic High School. I would like to show my gratitude by being able to give back to the Catholic Education Foundation through volunteering and donating in the future. It has been an honor to have been acknowledged by this organization that has given me the opportunity to succeed. Therefore, I am deeply thankful for all of those individuals whom have assisted me with such an essential gift, known to me as my education.