by Shiesha McGue
In the community where I live many believe that it is hard for young people to rise above their circumstances and succeed. As a person with dreams and goals I have decided that I have a choice to either give in to stereotypes or rise above them and pursue my dreams. I have chosen to do my own thing and pursue my dreams. As a student it is important to rise above what other people think rather than giving in to what the people around you think you should do. I've made up my mind that I am going somewhere in life. I decided early on that I was not going to let anyone tell me anything to the contrary and started surrounding myself with people willing to push me in a positive direction.
Studying and staying on task is quite easy when I discipline my mind to focus on what's most important, my education and my family. Even though I am in extracurricular activities, I still find time to do my homework, and cram in extra lessons to maintain an A average. My eighth grade year in junior high school, I noticed that the grades I make will take me places; either a place I will be comfortable with, or a place where I may not ever see daylight again.
During that time of serious consideration of what I wanted to do, I decided to follow my first thought, which was to stay in school and receive excellent grades. I realized that if I didn't take care of myself no one was going to do it for me. One day my eighth grade teacher told me "Good grades are never given to anyone, they have to be earned," and that became my reason for staying focused, and on task.
Honestly, I could not conquer my hard work if it was not for my loving son. For a two year old, he is an astonishing study partner. I have learned so many things from him. If it was not for him, I don't think I would be excelling as a student the way that I am now. A number of people have told me that my son saved my life. As a young parent I am even more determined to excel in school, pursue my dreams and set a positive example for my son.
I have a bright future ahead of me. After graduating high school, I plan to go to a four year university to pursue a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and probably operate my own practice. Some people wouldn't expect these types of goals from a teen parent and student but I am a phenomenal woman. I'm doing me. I am a focused young woman who is able to take care of my family and excel in school.
Everything that I have done and will do in the future, I owe it to the woman who bought me here, and I am appreciative that God sent her to be my mother. I am truly blessed to have a few people in my life that actually love me for me. I'll never forget where I come from and the experiences in life that have put me on track for where I am going in life.
