I attended Benjamin Harrison Elementary School, where I made the goal to always be on top and never let anything keep me from getting my education. An unfortunate reaction to many people in South Bend in “living on the Westside” is that people make all kinds of assumptions about the schools and community to which I reside. Our schools don’t have the best reputation. In spite of this misnomer, I always made the goal to stand out of the crowd and make something of myself. I learned being different is not such a bad thing, and I should always be myself because people will love me for who I am.

After attending Harrison, I went to Pierre Navarre Middle School, where I learned the difficulties of the word "friendship" and how to not allow myself to get caught up in being defined as a negative statistic, but being defined as a person who exceeds all obstacles and challenges that I am confronted with! From there, I went to George Washington High School, where the true test and trials came. I must admit, I was scared and almost felt like I wouldn't make it and that’s where my faith and beliefs come into play. I leaned on the greatest friend in my life: GOD. God has been the guiding force in my life. In high school, I was involved in various activities that helped build me to the person I am today. As a result, I now know that I have a future and can achieve any goals to which my heart, mind, and spirit lead.

This fall, I will be attending Bethel Christian College, where I will be majoring in Accounting. I chose this college because I felt God was definitely leading me there and I felt I can progress in my mission of changing the world. I am going to continue to make a difference in my community and continue to let God lead me to do his will!