I am one of those people who ticks all of the boxes as a person who should not have made it very far in life. I am a black, chronically ill woman from a single-parent household. I even grew up in public housing and went to a failing high school. The only reason I am able to be where I am today is because I pursued an education. My love of reading and learning helped me escape my harsh realities at home, and my curiosity led me to take many opportunities that many in my community feared. When I was 12, doctors told me that I didn't have a very good life expectancy. Typically, something like asthma is not that serious, but apparently, mine was. I had been admitted 3 times that year and it was only April. I once missed over 100 days of school during the worst of it. During that time, I never fell behind in my classes. I studied hard and I found joy in reading the books my literature teacher assigned for class. A part of me knew that these books could take me further than just the realms of my mind and I cherished the relief they gave me. When it was time for high school, many around me wanted me to go to the fancy boarding schools around us. It seemed to them that it was necessary for my development. I was told that I would not succeed at the schools in the public school district near me. However, my mother could not afford to send me to these schools. I had even received a partial scholarship to one, but our finances were so, that even footing just 25 percent of that bill was not possible. I ended up going to the public school across the street. What many saw as a death sentence to my options, I saw as a treasure trove of opportunities. I joined many enriching programs like the African heritage club and even the marching band. I joined academic competitions like quiz bowl and the math team. I had an amazing time learning and growing and eventually, this lead me to receive a full merit-based scholarship to the university I attended. While attending university I grew more as a person. For many people, university is just a place to learn, but mine was a home. How grateful I was to have a consistent place to sleep and guaranteed meals due to my scholarship! When other students rushed home for thanksgiving, I remained on campus because, by this time, I had no home to return to and my family was scattered to the wind. I was grateful that, at this point, my education was even housing me from the storm. I don't think many people will understand this, but it is a very humbling reality for those who do. I managed to graduate with honors from that university, and because I did not have a home to return to, I set my eyes abroad. I could only do this because of the education I had received thus far. I have a warm home now. I never struggle for meals. I have a consistent income and I have been able to help my family greatly. All because of education.