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Attending college has always been a dream of mine. The obstacles that I’ve had to face throughout my life are what drive me to continue my education and become successful. I have learned to deal with the unknown at a very young age due to my adoption. For an adoptee, everyday is a challenge trying to figure out who you are, how to act and what to become. I have never quite fit in with my friends, but I hope to find my niche at Campbell University. Another struggle of mine was being diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) during my freshman year of high school. Due to IBS, I deal with new challenges everyday dealing with stress and anxiety. I could tell you all the negative side effects that come along with my struggles, but I tend to focus on the positive side effects. My adoption and my heath issues have strengthened me in a tremendous way. I continue to push and challenge myself everyday and I’ve learned to never give up. Volunteering helps me cope with my struggles. I have participated in the Key Club, Interact Club and Friends for Friends. I recently received the Triple “C” Award, which is the recognition of my commitment, character and courage that I’ve displayed throughout the year. This award is a great achievement that I am very proud of because it lets me know that hard work really does pay off. Martin Luther King once said, “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.” Everyday this reminds me to never lose hope in even the darkest of days.