Reasons That Led To My Decision: College

On September 1, 2000, my father passed away due to a heartbreaking car accident. Michael was a father of four kids and my mothers best friend since high school. High school sweethearts to be exact.

While this disaster left my mom emotionally unstable, her financial responsibilities became harder to keep up with. With only one source of income, it just wasn't enough. My mother never went to college, instead just worked a minimum wage job to get by. Paycheck to paycheck. But the source of her problems began to become much bigger as time floated by.

This devastation didn't go over well with my oldest brother. He began to act out, do drugs, and hang out with the wrong crowds. Everyone thought it was just a phase, trying to deal with the pain of losing someone close to you. That is completely understandable to act out. My mom tried to correct his behavior, but unfortunately, he was too far gone.

He is now a convicted felon, homeless on the streets, and begging others for a "hook up" his beloved drugs. A liar and a thief. Waking up to banging on the door from the cops trying to arrest my brother for some crime he did, mid-slumber on a school night had a huge impact on my other siblings and me.

Losing sleep, constantly woken up, and having to maintain some sort of attendance at school became impossible as a child. The passing of my father began to portray the cycle of the butterfly effect. Everything was just going downhill from there. Moments like these, happened all the time during my unbearable childhood. No weak sauce, right?

All my life, I was raised in the lower class. Although, my mother did eventually remarry (he is a great guy), my mother had to file for bankruptcy.

Some days I didn't eat. In fact, most days I worried about if there was food on the table or when we will get evicted from our home: which did happen. We couldn't afford a ton of food nor pay some bills. Even in school, I was afraid to participate in sports and around my community because of the lack of income. I didn't take as many opportunities.

My mother was trying her best and that is all that matters. She was given a plate and used it to the best of her ability. Now I am a junior in college, majoring in something I am passionate about. I am who I am for a reason. Although I wasn't born into the best circumstances, I am making the best of it. Attending college has been the best part so far, as I met so many people with similar compelling and inspiring stories.

If it weren't for her sacrifices and dedication to this broken family, I wouldn't be where I am at today. Partially why I decided to further my education was best for me is because I don't want my future children to have a worry in the world regarding opportunities. I don't want them to feel the hardships I had during my childhood, because growing up early sucks. I don't want my children to feel left out.

Well, there is it. Vulnerable yet a story I felt compelled to tell.

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