Childhood

I had grown to believe in treating others the way I would expect them to treat me, never to think I was superior to others; a notion I wished all the other kids would have considered. Time progressed and within some years my father had invested enough money to begin making payments toward a house. We had been living with relatives from time to time until my parents could afford their own place. Despite the fact that the house we moved into appeared as though a tornado had rushed through it, we made some improvements in it and took great pride in knowing that we had finally had what we could refer to as our own home. To this day I still live in this one bedroom, one bathroom, single living room and kitchen home.
             My father has been a farm worker all of his life, my mother an employee of warehouses for as long as I can remember. Not earning a sufficient amount of money required for me to attend college I began to strategically formulate concepts in my mind as to how I could obtain money for my continued education. I turned to the Military, the Army National Guard. There I would be eligible for tuition assistance. Only a few months ago I returned from my life changing experience through Boot Camp in FT. Leonardwood, MO -- a proud American Soldier. Although not visible through my academic records from High School I received an Award of Excellence for my academic performance among the top 5% of my Company at the Chemical School. Being a part of one of the most life affecting experiences I had ever been in and that anyone could possibly engage in away from home, family, friends, and even casual acquaintances forging new friendships with individuals from every imaginable background. I have returned a mentally capable person of defeating any kind of situation I may encounter. I have learned to adapt quickly, physically and mentally with my surroundings and the environment I may be in. I have learned how to set forth the example to others; a great deal of responsibility, independence, and above all Leadership skills that will remain with me where ever I may go.