(Example of “personal experience feature”)
(This “personal experience feature” was written by 17- year-old Filipina, Dahlia Valeroso, who
graduated valedictorian from the Ulysses S. Grant High School in Los Angeles, California in the summer
of 1991. The essay, which tells of her nostalgic moments as a child in the Philippines, having grown up
with her grandmother, won for her a $1,000 prize and the chance to enroll under a partial scholarship at
the prestigious Stanford University in California.)
The Importance of a College Education
By Dahlia Valeroso
It is unusual for Southern California to experience an outpouring of rain. Hearing the raindrops pelting
my roof is magical in itself, yet is made more special by an outpouring of memories.
On rainy days like this one, I sat on my grandmother’s lap as a child. With hot cocoa in hand, I listened
attentively to the stories she told. With humble pride in her eyes, she used to recall the struggles she
and her children had weathered. My grandfather died early in life, leaving her with burden of raising a
family of six. It is evident that even today this would have been a trying situation to anyone. How my
grandmother managed to financially support six children with barely an elementary education is still a
mystery to me.
Even more impressive was her perseverance in furthering her children’s education. In a small town
where most people were content with an elementary education, her dogged pursuit of college
diplomas for all of her children was scorned and laughed at by her neighbors. They incessantly asked,
“Why would anyone go to the trouble of sending her kids to school when she barely has the money for
food? She’s just showing off by trying to do what is out of her reach.”
My grandmother remained undaunted by these cruel and scornful remarks. She sweated and toiled
immensely every year in order to assure sufficient funds for her children’s education. Luckily enough,
she received full cooperation from all her children, who possessed the same unusual dedication and
desire for further education that she had. They did their part by walking several miles to and from
school. Rain did not hinder them; they trudged on with nothing but banana leaves to scantily give them
shelter.
Nevertheless, all the six children refused to allow any barriers in the pursuit of their goals.
My grandmother now has three teachers, one journalist, who is also a published author, one
accountant, and an engineer for her offsprings. I regret missing the chance to witness the silent pride in
her misty eyes as each one of her children walked across the stage to receive his or her hard-earned
and well-deserved diploma.
Yet, I can see her expression vividly. Is it
because of my mother’s clear description when she recounted the family struggles? No, I must have
seen that look in my grandmother eyes myself. It was last week when I told I was graduating as class
valedictorian. Her response was simply to take me in her arms and whisper, “Keep up the tradition of
academic excellence.”
My grandmother is now 72 years old. It almost made me cry when she pointed out that she might not
see me receive my own college diploma. Still, I am heartened by the fact that I will bring joy to her
come June 19, 1991, my high school graduation day. Even if she does not live long enough to share my
next triumph, I will hold dear in my heart her request and will keep up the tradition of academic
excellence in my family.
