I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, a place synonymous with high crime, drug activity and low-quality schools. Many believe that no one who lives there wants to do anything to make it out.
Well, that is not true whatsoever.
I have a master’s degree and am in my second year at the University of Maine School of Law. I did not accomplish this all by myself. My family, friends and teachers were instrumental in helping me to get to where I am today. I am also indebted to federal TRIO programs for helping disadvantaged students like myself. Participating in TRIO provided me with the foundation to excel and achieve my goals.
Going to college was never in doubt for me. Although my parents did not attend college, let alone finish elementary school, I always believed college was possible for me. The day I received my college acceptance letter, my parents were ecstatic. My hard work paid off.
I attended Marian University, a small private liberal arts university in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Fond du Lac was nothing compared to Chicago. It was more rural, and fewer people had the same skin color as I did. Not only was this a challenge to face and overcome, the second battle was succeeding academically.
The first semester of college was a struggle. At the end of my first semester I had a 1.6 GPA. The GPA reflected deficiencies and not being academically prepared coming out of high school. I also take responsibility for not being completely focused.
This would all turn around when I was introduced to the Student Support Services Program. The program was created for first-generation college students. Participants receive financial, academic and financial counseling services. It was designed for people like me.
