Receiving My National Honor Society Introduction Letter

The white-collar audience was staring at me with piercing eyes as I scanned the room for my father. I was not able to find him in the audience as I made my way to the podium to receive my National Honor Society induction letter. I was very disappointed and although I knew he was probably working late, I was hoping he wouldn’t miss this. This was a formal event fraught with prestige.

As I walked toward the front assembly doors, I looked up and there he was! My father was walking toward me in his stained work clothes. At first I was aghast and thought “Oh no, how embarrassing!” He certainly stood out among the crowd of perfectly tailored suits and fine clothing. But then I saw the look of extreme pride on his rugged face and slowly the embarrassment turned into an appreciation of how hard he works, all for my benefit. I was the motivation for their hard-work as they wanted nothing more than to provide the best possible education for their children.

Education seemed even more important to my parents because neither of them had graduated from college themselves. They were both born outside of the United States who came over as immigrants. All they wanted was a better life for their children filled with the possibility of achieving their dreams. My private Catholic high school years must have certainly been a strain on their finances but somehow they managed to do it with complete dedication. They have worked so strenuously for my success that I feel compelled to make them proud.

I am extremely appreciative of all they have done, but also realize that I have also worked very hard for myself, improving my grades year after year. Somehow my school equally motivated me to learn and grow as well, being in an environment with other positive minded, hard working students really impacted me. I know that great things will come from my complete dedication and that I will achieve my dream of becoming a doctor in the years to come.