Personal Statement
"I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was." Muhammad Ali was well known as the greatest boxer that has ever lived. This quote may have seemed a little conceited to some, but he had aspirations of believing he could be the best at anything he did, and that is how I've tried to live my life. His words have greatly impacted my hopes, dreams, and aspirations throughout my 18 year existence. His actions of fearlessness are incomparable, but they've inspired me to be who I am today.
Growing up, I've always had this certain love for school. I loved when teachers used to call on me to read, or to do a problem on the board. I grew up in large family in a low income household. No one that I knew had went to college, so it was hard to think about getting my foot in the door. During my freshman year in high school, I had no idea what my plans for the future were, and like any other freshie, I kept options widely open. Come my sophomore year, we had a guest speaker in my AVID class. Her major was criminal justice, and I was fascinated by it. I look more into it, and thus, my love for criminal justice was born. I've encountered lots of criticism from family and friends. My love for the justice system really started to die down when I overheard a very negative comment from a close family member declaring that I won't make it far in life. I began giving up on a lot of things. Everything was crashing down on me like never before. I could be in a school with thousands of other people, and still feel all alone. My perception on life really started changing when I was reminded of Ali's famous words. Since then, I have been 100% devoted to school. I am determined to be accepted to a college and graduate from a four year university.
I've always held high standards for myself. I've learned that actually listening to negative comments was a mistake. I'm the only person in full control of my future, and I know that now. Ali spoke a great truth. I've learned to live the life the way I can even if no one else believes in me. I know that others opinions should have no impact on me at all. Whether anyone else believes it yet or not, I am the greatest.
Growing up, I've always had this certain love for school. I loved when teachers used to call on me to read, or to do a problem on the board. I grew up in large family in a low income household. No one that I knew had went to college, so it was hard to think about getting my foot in the door. During my freshman year in high school, I had no idea what my plans for the future were, and like any other freshie, I kept options widely open. Come my sophomore year, we had a guest speaker in my AVID class. Her major was criminal justice, and I was fascinated by it. I look more into it, and thus, my love for criminal justice was born. I've encountered lots of criticism from family and friends. My love for the justice system really started to die down when I overheard a very negative comment from a close family member declaring that I won't make it far in life. I began giving up on a lot of things. Everything was crashing down on me like never before. I could be in a school with thousands of other people, and still feel all alone. My perception on life really started changing when I was reminded of Ali's famous words. Since then, I have been 100% devoted to school. I am determined to be accepted to a college and graduate from a four year university.
I've always held high standards for myself. I've learned that actually listening to negative comments was a mistake. I'm the only person in full control of my future, and I know that now. Ali spoke a great truth. I've learned to live the life the way I can even if no one else believes in me. I know that others opinions should have no impact on me at all. Whether anyone else believes it yet or not, I am the greatest.