“From my freshman to senior year, I’ve grown as a person and [now] have a different outlook. As we get older, we can either become more focused and serious about our lives and futures [or not]. For me, I had to get better because I carry a lot of responsibility within my family. I am the first one graduating high school let alone going to college. 

My older brother was one of those people who didn’t get serious about their education and just dropped out. Growing up with him and seeing how he’s come to regret that decision later on helped me get serious about what I wanted to do. When we were kids, my brother was a straight A student always on honor roll and a big athlete. After our dad’s passing, he [did a] complete 180 and stopped caring about school. He hung out with the wrong people and chose his path. 

It was [in] my junior year [that] my brother got in trouble with some people in our area. Long story short, they shot at him and threatened me and my mom’s life so we had to leave. The people [knew] where we lived, [so] I had to look for a new house. That experience helped me to realize that if I could go through that [while] still passing my finals and taking care of my mom, I could do anything. 

When I doubt myself, I just remember that and push through. I [have] to make my family proud no matter what I want. I need to succeed for them and make sure that they are always safe and taken care of.”