Conquering adversity

Marika Chubick, a senior at Creston Community High School is one of 106 students across the nation who have been chosen to receive the 2018 Horatio Alger National Scholarship, an award of $25,000 each.

Chubick found out about the scholarship when her friend, Angel Stow, suggested it to her. Stow had won the scholarship in 2018.

“She told me about it and said that she thinks that I would be a good candidate,” said Chubick.

In order to apply for the scholarship, Chubick had to fill out a detailed application with information on home life, academics, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and had to complete an adversity questionnaire and three essays.

“It was a pretty long application process compared to the other ones that I’ve done,” said Chubick.

In her essay on adversity, Chubick wrote about her childhood prior to being adopted at age four and how that impacted her life.

Chubick said her birth mother was a drug addict who often left her with a variety of people “who would do really bad things to children.”

“That affected me ... until I was around 13 years old,” said Chubick.

Chubick spent a total of two years in two treatment facilities.

“I talked about ... seeing all of that and going through all of that – being away from my family and my loved ones in treatment how it showed me that I’m a very strong person,” said Chubick.

In the second essay, Chubick wrote about the mentors in her life. She wrote about two people – Jane Warner, Creston Community High School vocal instructor, and Mike Peters, band instructor

“They have always been there and I’m able to go talk to them. Both of them helped me through different aspects of my life,” said Chubick.

Chubick said she is able to talk to Warner about everything in her life.

“She’s able to help me think about my decisions and make the best decision … She’s like the person I go to for advice,” said Chubick.

Chubick also said Warner has helped her become a strong singer and performer.

Chubick said she has a brother with autism, which connected her to Peters, who has a son with special needs.

"I’m able to go talk to him about that kind of stuff. He’s able to understand from a first-hand perspective about that," said Chubick.

Chubick said both Warner and Peters have been such good role models because they are "good humans" and she strives to be "as good of people as they are."

In her third essay, Chubick wrote about how she’s been able to work hard and become successful in both her school and at her job, despite the adversity she's faced.

Chubick is involved in band, jazz band, winter band, choir, individual speech team, musicals and is a national anthem soloist at sports events. In addition she is employed by WalMart.

Chubick has been accepted into colleges, but has not yet been accepted into her chosen program – musical theater. She hopes to find out which programs she has been accepted into in February or March.

“When I got the phone call that I got [the scholarship] I just burst into tears,” said Chubick.

Chubick said that receiving the scholarship is a relief and has given her negative experiences a more positive meaning.

“It shows ... that people recognize what I’ve gone through and how I became the person I am. And they just recognize all the hard work and determination. It’s so humbling. It’s an amazing opportunity and an amazing honor to be a part of this,” said Chubick.

“If it wasn’t for everyone that’s been in my life I would not be at the place that I am,” said Chubick. “I’m extremely grateful to my parents who adopted me when I was four to give me the life that I have today,” said Chubick.

Chubick said she is grateful to the Horatio Alger Association for the opportunity.

“It’s just truly life-changing,” said Chubick.