For an assignment in my Gateway to University Honors class, I had to write a “This I Believe” essay. The assignment required me to write about my beliefs, particularly one belief. I have values and beliefs, but I never thought I would have to write about one. It took some time to think about what I believe so strongly that has shaped the person I am today. Of course I value family, faith, love, and education, but I contemplated on how to add these all together. Here is what I came up with:
This I Believe
I believe anyone can make it out of “the hood.” Growing up, I was not very good at sports (I was decent, but not pro material), music, art, or any avenue I would consider capable of getting me out. On the other hand, I did very well in school, and learning came to me naturally. My family would always joke that I did not have common sense, but I definitely had book smarts.
I was in the third grade the first time I can remember earning straight A’s. From that point, I knew my niche was education, and that was the avenue I would take to get me out of “the hood.” I continued working hard, but I could not change my situation. I was raised by my mother and I had a deadbeat father. My mom often worked two jobs to support us. As I watched my mom struggle, it instilled an overwhelming amount of determination in me to succeed.
I can also recall a time, during my senior year of high school, when my math teacher told me I would not make it at Purdue University (I was already accepted in) because of the way that I talked (using slang). How dare he try to discourage me? I could not believe he would try to destroy my dream of furthering my education. I knew my mother had raised a stronger individual, and I could not let this statement break me or kill my dream. In fact, he boosted my determination to succeed.
After all of my struggles, I made it out of “the hood.” As I reflect back, I realize I am the reason I made it out. I did not make my situation an excuse to have people feel sorry for me, but I made it my inspiration. Had it not been for my childhood, I would not be the person I am today. I am an independent, successful woman. I am also a successful minority that is “against all odds.”
I was a first generation college graduate, and I received my Bachelor of Science in Management from Purdue (Yes, I made it!). Currently, I am pursuing another degree at the University of Cincinnati in Electrical Engineering. I am also working on a non-profit organization to encourage women/minorities (from my hometown and other low income areas) to pursue a STEM education.
I was in the third grade the first time I can remember earning straight A’s. From that point, I knew my niche was education, and that was the avenue I would take to get me out of “the hood.” I continued working hard, but I could not change my situation. I was raised by my mother and I had a deadbeat father. My mom often worked two jobs to support us. As I watched my mom struggle, it instilled an overwhelming amount of determination in me to succeed.
I can also recall a time, during my senior year of high school, when my math teacher told me I would not make it at Purdue University (I was already accepted in) because of the way that I talked (using slang). How dare he try to discourage me? I could not believe he would try to destroy my dream of furthering my education. I knew my mother had raised a stronger individual, and I could not let this statement break me or kill my dream. In fact, he boosted my determination to succeed.
After all of my struggles, I made it out of “the hood.” As I reflect back, I realize I am the reason I made it out. I did not make my situation an excuse to have people feel sorry for me, but I made it my inspiration. Had it not been for my childhood, I would not be the person I am today. I am an independent, successful woman. I am also a successful minority that is “against all odds.”
I was a first generation college graduate, and I received my Bachelor of Science in Management from Purdue (Yes, I made it!). Currently, I am pursuing another degree at the University of Cincinnati in Electrical Engineering. I am also working on a non-profit organization to encourage women/minorities (from my hometown and other low income areas) to pursue a STEM education.