We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most shaped your personal life and aspirations. How have these factors caused you to grow? (800 word limit)

Throughout my life I've always had to be better than everyone else because I had it harder than everyone around me. Being from a low income, single parent household presented a lot of challenges. However, my mom instilled in me at a young age that college was the best option to make something of yourself. I always wanted to be successful in life. As a result, that one piece of advice stuck in my head from the time I took my first seat in elementary school up until my current days in high school.

My life has always been a struggle from not being able to afford school supplies one year, to not being able to afford school clothes the next. I never let my disadvantages stop me from achieving my future goal; getting a scholarship from the college of my dreams. As I took the next leap into middle school, I made sure that every move that I made would lead me along the right path. Each and every day I studied as much as I could to prepare me for high school and beyond. As a result I received excellent grades and I felt nothing could stop me.

Until one day I received a phone call that my father had passed away. Another hard obstacle had seemed to find its way in my path, but I persevered. I let the spirit of my father guide me through the rest of my middle school years and I finished strong. My father would not have wanted me to fail but to continue striving towards my goals. Having something so tragic happen at the age of 12 shaped me into a stronger person. This obstacle, though very unnerving gave me that extra inspiration I needed to assure me that I was destined for great things.

Entering high school was a transition I thought that I was prepared for, and I was sadly mistaken. The curriculum was ten times harder as well as the independence. I began to realize I might not be able to be the 4.0 student I once was in middle school. Then I thought of my family and how disappointed they would be to see me come so far and end up falling short of my goals. I knew I was better than this. From then on I tried my hardest to maintain good grades as well as stay involved in school activities.

During the beginning of my high school years, I became involved in opportunities that would help better myself. I won the chance to attend the Diversity Conference in New Orleans which was a major achievement. In that conference I met so many people just like me; people struggling not to be a statistic, but a successful member of society.

I learned that low income students like myself can indeed succeed and excel above anything if they put their minds to it. It brought me closer to many other minorities like myself who have it hard every day. Hearing everyone's story's made me more aware of the world we are living in. This experience shaped me into a fearless young woman and gave me much inspiration. Looking back at all the experiences I went through from financial difficulties, to my father passing away, then troubles in school made me realize exactly what I want to do in life.

I found myself desiring to be a child therapist. Looking back at all the stressful situations I had to deal with alone made me wish that I had a helping hand to guide me through most of my troubles. Being a child therapist can be my way of giving back to society and helping children who want to become better. I'm someone who indeed has flaws, but I won't let those flaws define who I am as a person. I aspire to get into the college of my dreams and graduate. Then I aspire to go far in my career choice of becoming a therapist. I won't let anything derail my path in life.

I always had doubts about getting into the college of my dreams because of the circumstances I experienced. My ambition and fighting spirit has kept me going through the years. What sets me apart from everyone else is the passion I have to achieve my dreams. I may not be the average 4.0 student that many colleges look for, but I am a strong individual with great qualities. I am seeking to achieve the American dream that I believe I have earned. I have overcome so many challenges, and I learned from each and every one. If given the chance at this opportunity, I won't be a disappointment because I will succeed no matter the obstacle is.