As a 1st generation college student, I started with many disadvantages. My circumstances had me thinking I was less than, not as smart as, and not as talent as my classmates. My fear of how I would be viewed because of my circumstances paralyzed me. My focus was to keep a very low profile. However, it took me some time to realize that my disadvantages had nothing to do with my ability. And when this happened, my mindset shifted. This produced another level of confidence. I actually started to think I was just as or more talented than the students I was comparing myself to. I reasoned that if we were achieving the same grades, but I had overcome more obstacles, I had to be better. “Imagine if I did not have those barriers in my path...…how far could I be…?”

 

​Although I had no control over my parents being married or which school I attended, there were some factors I could have controlled.  had I known what to ask and who to ask. You may not be able to help your parents make more money, but you can control how much you make.

 

I understand, too clearly, the heartache, pain, and sacrifice it takes to achieve anything of substance. However, with wise counsel and the ability to be coachable, there are many heartaches and pains that can avoided.