The reason why I am a great candidate for a college or university can be best summed up by being the product of a perpetual battle against statistical adversity. I was born as the first child to distant teenage parents. My father was a collegiate athlete and my mother was a high school athlete. My mother abandoned me when I was eight months old and left me to my father. Knowing the odds to provide for me would be slim to none without a college education, my father made a difficult choice to give up my custody to my grandmother with the promise of working while attending college and having to give up college football. My mother has not been in any aspect of my life. Therefore, knowing my background, and how hard my father had to work in order to provide for me, I devote my effort and hard work into anything that will help me succeed. However, having this background does not give me an excuse to not give as much effort or use my background as a crutch in life. At the age of eight I was told all of the above details from my father. From that point forward, I was able to appreciate everything my father has done and continues to do for me. From that point forward, I was able to achieve honor roll throughout elementary and middle school, while playing football and basketball.

Throughout my life, school has stressed me out, but has never made me fall, complain, or quit. Anytime I feel as if life is getting hard, I recall my background, and the life my father had to live in order for me to succeed. Throughout high school, life did not get much easier. Maintaining a social life, while achieving honor roll and playing sports is not as easy as it seems. However, I promised myself ever since my father explained my background I would never quit, because quitting would not allow me to succeed and overcome a statistical adversity. Therefore, I continue to not allow my background to become an excuse, or let it completely define me. I use my background to motivate me, and pave the path for me to succeed.

Waking up every day, realizing the burden on my shoulders, is not easy. Others would simply let this situation define them, and not allow them to work for a better future. I will always remember where I came from, and where I am headed. I am headed on a path to succeed. In order to succeed I must devote myself, and give all my effort into anything that will help me create a better future. These are things that I have done, and will continue to do no matter what obstacle shall cross my path to succeed. Furthermore, I know that from this point forward life will get harder, but I understand that, and I will not let that negatively affect me. It is with that foundation and continual mentorship that I have worked hard all my personal and scholastic life.