A Leap of Faith Pays Off
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(Photo by Will Kirk)

I had the unexplainable misfortune of growing up with an abusive father; he was responsible for innumerable verbal and physical atrocities. He abandoned us and I never missed his presence, but the seeds of unworthiness and self-doubt were planted and matured later into self-hate and depression.

 

I allowed fear to rule my life and worked ten years in a customer service environment, assisting my family with the costs of a monthly mortgage and Ivy League tuitions for my younger brother, sister, and cousin. Constantly denied promotions because I lacked a college education, I eventually grew weary of the burden of unfulfilled potential. Frustration caused me to push past fear and I took a leap of faith and returned to school to study nursing, a balance for my natural nurturing instincts and intellectual capabilities.

 

Life has taught me to accept defeat without being defeated. I have learned that continued hard work in the face of constant obstacles requires strength of character, resilience, and humor. It is easy to be friendly and gracious in the midst of accolades and victory, but picking up the shattered remnants of ones self-esteem from the depths of despair takes great forethought and integrity.

 

The Arlene Butz/Maureen Maguire scholarship has brought the dream of a life-altering future one step closer to reality. I hope to establish a career that reflects joy and peace, serving others, sharing beauty and contributing to life in a positive manner. Scholarship has made me part of the Hopkins' legacy, not to be defined by mistakes but by perseverance, hard work, and integrity.

-Patrice Pantin, Traditional 2007