Karina Murcia

I am a persistent, determined, and strong-willed woman. These qualities have helped me succeed in school despite my dyslexia. I am proud that my determination has helped me to develop the strong work ethic that has played a key role in my success in school and family .
Ever since I started my academic career I had a hard time reading . It took years for teachers and my parents to figure out why I struggled and many times I would get angry at myself for not being able to read as easily as other students in my class. After discouraging experiences with teachers as early as Kindergarten it was finally detected that I had a mild form of dyslexia. Fortunately, this was around the time I began to develop an interest in music and choir. I soon realized that when I studied music, it was as if I was a different student. I could learn song lyrics quickly and was comfortable performing in front of large groups. Becoming a musician was one of the best things that happened to me because it helped me regain confidence in myself as a learner. What I learned through choir and performing, is something I’ve been able to use in the classroom to help motivate myself to keep trying even when circumstances get difficult.
As I grew older my frustrations grew, but I decided that instead of dwelling on something I could not change, I would focus on what I could do to help myself succeed. I learned that if I worked through my Dyslexia I could accomplish my academic goals and I could continue to develop as a singer. In the process, I figured out that I am a visual and kinesthetic learner. I am not a student that can look at a paper and read it for 10 minutes and soak up all the information. In order for me to learn something and retain the information, I have to analyze the material. A great study habit that I learned, that works for me is to associate terms and new concepts with song lyrics or a musical beat. A recent use of this technique was in my anatomy class. In place of the lyrics, I put the names of the muscles and used movement to help me study. I also learned and accepted that I do have to re-read things and at times do certain assignments more than once. I have also accepted that I can’t procrastinate because it takes me longer to learn material than the typical student. I may get made fun of because I am the slow one in the class, but I’d rather be the slow one than not be able to understand anything at all. The biggest concept that I have learned that came out me having dyslexia, is the fact that I learned that I do not need to compare myself to others because everyone is different and no one person learns the same way as the next.
I am determined to succeed. My determination has helped me look for and get the help that I need from teachers. I am determined to study extra hours, seek outside help, and always give 110% of myself. I am proud of the work ethic that I have developed and I am happy to see it has had a positive impact on all aspects of my life.
If I were chosen for this scholarship I would use the money towards college tuition. I have to pay everything out of pocket and with loans. Also on top of that, I am paying out of state tuition which is a high cost. This money will help me pursue my dream of becoming a music therapist.