Help From An Unlikely Source

My path as a Dominican-American growing up in the inner city was filled with obstacles. The streets where I lived were alive with neighbors and friendship, but they also provided challenges that felt insurmountable at times.

I grew up in an area with limited access to high-quality educational opportunities. Our schools were underfunded, and our libraries were run-down. My family couldn't afford pricey SAT prep materials or tutors. I was left to my own devices. Late hours were spent pouring over out-of-date study materials acquired from the local library, assiduously practicing math problems, and memorizing vocabulary words. Despite these obstacles, I persisted in my quest of higher education.

Brick walls are there for a reason – to show you just how badly you want something.

My friend’s parents who were college graduates became beacons for me. They went above and beyond to help me because they saw my potential. They took the time to walk me through the college application process. They offered me helpful advice and pointed me in the direction of scholarships. They also helped recommend colleges for me to apply to and were my biggest fans outside of my immediate family. When my college acceptance letters arrived, I knew beyond a doubt that they were the ones who helped me break free from the cycle of poverty.

Anonymous