Grit is described as the courage and resolve, or strength of one’s character. The lights aren’t always bright for those who succeed, and grittiness is oftentimes a quality that is overlooked for a student, as it feels difficult to tell the difference between hard work and someone who works through hard times.
Arlett Zarate Diaz was awarded for her remarkable grit through her years at MCHS by receiving the GritGrant from the MacKenzie Family Foundation. This grant is awarded to 5 students nationwide who have overcome remarkable odds throughout their time in high school, and more specifically for those who have passed the Incubatoredu class. This award gives those who have won 2,500$ to use to further their education, or fund their future careers.
“She started out wanting to drop the class because she didn’t like public speaking,” said Erin Harris, Incubatoredu teacher at MCHS and nominator of Diaz, “but she turned into a confident group member who did great at the final pitch, even stepping in when one of her group members struggled through their speaking part. Arlett has overcome so many obstacles personally to get where she is today.”
“My first day in this class I didn’t think I could do this,” said Arlett Zarate Diaz, “I just went home and thought it was too hard for me. English is my second language, so I didn’t think that I could do this, but when I went home, I just started watching motivational videos and I finally thought that I could do it. That night I bought two English books to help me learn.”
Diaz faced a tough move from Mexico to McHenry, Illinois during her high school year. Along with moving somewhere entirely new, she also faced tough mental battles that would only make her chances of getting through high school harder.
“My parents were going through a divorce,” says Diaz. “I am the oldest, as well as the only daughter, so it was tough when my parents told me I had to do everything. It was like, ‘Do this, do that’ and I realized I didn’t want to be just my parents. I wanted to be better, be something different, be something that is going to help me, especially for my brothers.”
Diaz fought hard throughout high school, not just for herself, but also for her brothers at home. She wanted to be an example for her younger siblings and be someone that they can look up to knowing that no matter how trying the times may be, they can always be overcome.
“Growing up my siblings definitely played a big part in pushing me to succeed,” said Diaz. “One of my main motivations was to show them that despite facing challenges like balancing a job after school, participating in clubs and navigating family difficulties, I could still reach the goals I set for myself. Adapting to a new language, culture and learning skills wasn’t easy, but I wanted to prove that these obstacles were not barriers to success. If I could do it, then they could too, and nothing should hold them back from achieving their dreams. I wanted to be an example.”
Even though Diaz graduated from MCHS as a distinguished warrior, and with the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, her challenges are far from over, however, her life is only beginning.
Diaz plans on spending the money from her GritGrant award on her education at MCC, where she will be a first gen college student. She plans on pushing herself to greater heights, to show the world that nothing can stop her from reaching higher achievements.
“My advice,” Diaz said, “is that your goals come before your dreams. You first need to have a way to do it, and then you can accomplish your dreams. You need to have goals in order to have dreams.”
Diaz never plans on dampening her drive for bigger and better things. As her life goes on, she will always continue thinking about her next big goal, in hopes that she can one day fulfill her dreams.