Self-Determination...

I believe in self-determination.  All of my life I have watched if not all, most of my family members struggle.  Whether it is my dad who never received higher than an eighth grade education or my oldest sister who got pregnant when she was fifteen, I have been exposed to a lot.  All of these things that I have been exposed to help give me self-determination. 

I believe that all people should learn from the mistakes of the people around them.  I have lived all over the place as a child and in many different conditions because of my parents’ lack of parental guidance.  I got a job when I was in tenth grade so I could pay the bills because my dad told me that if I wanted cable or internet that I would have to pay for it.  This wasn’t just because of his lack of education, but also because of his drug addiction.  His addiction has not held me back, it has inspired me.  It helped me realize that dreams and goals are important and that no matter what, if you have self-determination, you will be able to accomplish anything you wish.

I learned a lot from the mistakes of people around me, but I also learned a lot from my grandmother.  She has the most self-determination I have ever seen.  As a single mother of two, she took good care of my mother and uncle.  She has everything she ever wanted and has worked very hard for it.  She has become my idol, as I am her shining star.  My grandmother believes in everything I do and is always there for me.

I believe I can be anything I want to be.  I can go anywhere I want to go and do anything I want to do.  With the right dreams and goals, if I put my mind to it, I know I will do it.  I also know that the road can be a little bit bumpy on the way, but I am ready for that.  I will do anything in my power to make sure that I am successful in life and that I don’t disappoint my grandmother.  That is self-determination and I believe it is very important be filled with it, especially as a college student.