A fresh cool iced breeze from the A/C from where I work at in a hot summer day, at a building in my office staring out into the city from my job, that is what my future looks like. I'm Charlie born and raised in Raleigh from the state of North Carolina, growing up wasn't easy at all, you see my family struggled financially. And on top of that they came from a different country, which made it even more difficult for them to adapt, along with a language barrier that created a huge weight on their backs. My father worked in construction and used to take me when I was a kid to his job site to just look around, however when I got into my teenage years that when my eyes opened and really motivated me. Why? You may ask, seeing with your own eyes the type of conditions people work will make you think twice about the opportunity you have in the palm of your hands. Seeing the amount of sweat dripping from myself in the heat with no a/c or my cracked hands in the blistering cold humbled me, created a motivation and pushed me to get an education. It showed me that education shouldn't be taken for granted and is an opportunity literally at the palm of our hands, not just mine but everybody. Yet, despite the amount financial resources I need, my lack of confidence is something sometimes stands in my way of my future. Constantly doubting myself and saying "I can't" is something I must change. Volunteering, getting out there, building connections has all helped me build confidence in myself. Going off to college and building those relationships and friendships has allowed me to view myself in a different way. That it is possible to achieve your dreams if you really put the effort into them, you won't even notice yourself building your future since you'll be having so much fun along the way. Choosing a future that YOU really have the passion for and not just doing it for someone else has allowed me to become more confident. I was in a major that I wasn't happy with just to please certain people in my life. It molded this idea in my head that I had to achieve it or else those people wouldn't be happy. It stripped away my confidence, boost and even interest since I wasn't happy. When I decide to change my major before It was too late, not only did I feel relieved yet happy and motivated. My confidence started building back up and found out stuff about myself I didn't even know about. However, what was really shocking to me was that along my current journey, that you won't even notice yourself chasing your dream along the road. You'll be so happy and overcoming obstacles that before you know it your already making progress. In conclusion, building confidence in myself will help me achieve my dreams. I was born from immigrant parents who came from nothing and made something out of it, with no education and no money and on top of that a language barrier that they were able to overcome. This has motivated me to build my confidence and achieve my dreams. And instead of choosing a path just to please others, to choose a path that I will walk for MYSELF no matter how many mistakes I make along the way. However, building confidence is the first step towards achieving my future. And the way I plan to achieve this is by confidence.

Diabetes, one of the biggest health problems one can be diagnosed with. It's a serious health condition that stays with you forever if diagnosed with. Most of my family is unfortunately diagnosed with some type of diabetes. The stories I hear from it such as, restricting any types of fast food, sweets, and even having to exercise. On top of that, I was a chubby kid growing up I enjoyed doing what most kids do, eating chips, McDoanld's happy meals, chocolate, I mean the list goes on and on. Yet, every time I would go to my yearly checkups their was always conflict going on about my weight and extremely high blood pressure. It got to the point where my triglycerides got so high that I was potentially in risk of being diagnosed diabetes. This was very worrisome because it was mostly going to happen, having the history my parents have had with diabetes being a very common thing. It was very worrisome for my mother who did not know what to do, at the time I was around 13-14. However, as time passed and as I got older, my health was something I started prioritizing. Luckily, this was something that prevented me getting diagnosed with diabetes, and allowed my triglycerides to start lowering down. Not only was this a big deal especially for me but was an accomplishment, as this made me feel more confident. Running was something I feel in love with, and eating healthier was a prioritization. Moreover, now in my late teens this is something I love and enjoy. It has become part of my daily life, its a good way of meditation and getting your mind of things. It allowed me to become more confident in my self which improved my mental health. In addition, this is something that will forever stick with me, eating healthy and exercising potentially saved my life, and prevented me from being diagnosed with any health problems that could've potentially haunted me into adulthood, and for that I will forever be grateful to my younger self for choosing a healthy lifestyle that would influence be into my late teenage years!

Graffiti drawings, the sound of the cars the officers in blue uniforms, groups of not so good people, fights breaking out here and there. The environment I grew and still grow up in. Life wasn't easy for me when I was younger let alone my immigrant parents, who came from a different country to look for a better opportunity here in the states. However, without any type of degree or diploma they were forced to work in horrible conditions, it was either that or live on the streets. Yet, the neighborhood they moved into didn't help much either. Yes rent was cheaper however, the environment wasn't the best. You see anybody who lives here can easily get influenced and not in a good way. You see 13 year olds smoking and 14 year old females already pregnant. To make matters worse there isn't anybody telling you 'go to college' or 'stay in school.' Instead, you have people forcing you to quit school and work because money you get money for working and school does not pay you. Luckily, I did not fall into that trend, instead I had a mother who always pushed me to the best. Who continues to tell us stories about her life and how she wishes she had a college education. I look around the environment I currently live in, and promise my self that I must get myself out of this hole. That this isn't the life I want, and that this isn't the life I would like to give my children in the future. When you come from a low-income family education is really the only strategy to financially live stable. However, you can't get an education without any money, or aid. Had it not been for Financial Aid I don't know where I would be right now, maybe working at a job I would work for the rest of my life. Thank God Im at least at a community college, however to transfer to the university requires a lot more money. Moreover, my greatest achievement that I will always be proud of is the fact that I've been able to do what lots of college students aren't able to do and that maintain a full time job and attend school full time. I work a full time job from 8A.M.-6 P.M. 4-5 days a week. Meanwhile, attending school full time taking up to 5 classes. However, as we all know all the money you make isn't for yourself bills have to be paid, along with school supplies. However, the conflict will come as I step into the university. Questions such as, 'will I have enough' or 'will I have to ask for loans and get in debt' arise as I approach the university. Yet, one thing is for sure, I will not give up, and no matter what my education will be fulfilled!

Throbbing head, anxiety, and the pressure from family and friends can be real and affect your mental health especially if your a college student. Symptoms that I've experienced as a college student can be threatening to your mental health. The smallest things can affect you such as an assignment due the next day or even an upcoming exam you have to prepare for. Having classes that require study time and you having to split up your time to give each class part of your day can also be stressful. However, relaxation and having time for yourself is also very important as this can help reduce all the anxiety and stressfulness from yourself. I take lots of care when it comes to my mental health as it can get out of hand, investing my time in hobbies or even going out for a run can be very helpful and let you breath the fresh clean air. I also make a schedule of my day to help me relax and guide me throughout my day so I know I get everything I need done. The arts is something I really enjoy doing in my free time such as dancing, signing, acting, writing music, or even playing on my keyboard are my escape routes and my freedom. They take me into this world where I feel like I am free and can relax. As a college student this is very important as it has helped me freshen up and recharge to faces new challenges and be successful in life.

Communication is an everyday thing we practice in life, it's a human instinct. We don't even know that we use it in everyday life like listening for example. Listening means acknowledging the person whom is communicating with you, and processing what they are saying to you. I am always actively listening to those around me, people may not realize but the simplest things that you can do to engage in a conversation by just listening. When actively listening to those around me I always made eye contact it allows the person to know that I am engaged in the conversation and am listening. Having my body faced towards them notifies the person that what they are saying has my full attention. Moreover, asking questions while they talk lets them know that I am interested in what they are saying. It's simple actions like these that I know I am actively listening to a person. We or even I may not realize these types of actions I do, however it does create active listening and a successful form of communication.

Growing up I wasn't the best student in fact I did a lot of skipping class and not showing up to my classes. I would either just stay home or during school hours go out with friends. I never took my education serious when I was younger. My mother always told me to have any type of education weather it be a certificate, associates, bachelors, etc. She never had an education let alone even finish high school, same with my dad. My mom always raised me and my siblings that education is very important and that it's a privilege and power given and earned to make a change. And one lesson I was given was "never disregard education." My father worked in the construction field and he always told me "stay in school, stay in school, get your major, so you don't end up like me." And it wasn't until I worked in construction during the summer I realized what he meant. You see I took it for granted, thinking school was just a waste of time, and that money was more important. Although money is important using your head is the way to earn it. What do I mean? After working with my dad during summers and even during breaks like Christmas break, it opened my eyes. The conditions I saw my dad working in made me realize what he meant. Working in bad heat when it's hot, or blistering cold when the weather is freezing. Bad conditions that you would not even imagine, blisters getting all over your hands, and carrying extremely heavy objects. While working in these conditions I immediately knew what my parents meant, and I wished I was back in a school seat. I then realized that everything I took for granted was very much a lot better than what my dad was working in. It was a life lesson that taught me why education is very important, and I learned that the types of better opportunities it can get you in. This life lesson allowed me to take my education serious and allow my self to earn good grades. It opened my mind to try even harder to earn an education. It made me stronger as it allowed me to always look back whenever I feel like giving up or procrastinating in my education, to not go in that direction. It made me feel responsible as I prevent myself from turning in late work, and studying, taking notes on everything. Although these may seem minor it has allowed me to maintain good grades, and a step closer to earn my education, that I have worked very hard for.

I used to hide in the closet a lot, as in I was always scared to try new things. I heard what other people said and their horrible experiences and decided to not do any types of goals, new adventures, even ask for help when I knew I needed it. However, it changed as I realized that if I continued this route I would not get nowhere in life and I'd just be living in a box. In addition, my goals and passion would just stay as that because I didn't go out of my way to do it. Moreover, it took a while to make my mind a growth mindset. I started by doing simple things such as waking up in the morning and thinking to myself "I'm doing this today no matter what." Eventually it go to the point where I wrote down what thoughts came into my head, then eventually actually doing it. I think fear plays a huge role in the mind along with the fear of no mistakes, something I used to do. However, I keep a growth mindset by having no fear, and allowing myself to make mistakes. By making mistakes I am learning something new in which shouldn't be a problem. In addition, I take risk s and remind myself that "I have nothing too loose." The mind is a powerful part of our bodies and with that comes either domination or benefits. However, having a growth mindset can be beneficial as you allow yourself to achieve your goals

Self-care is very important and is something I definitely consider important in my life. In my early teen years I had no type of self-care at all. I wasn't eating right, didn't take good care of my skin, teeth, body, etc. As I got older I decided to change I was at a point in my life where hormones were changing and body was developing. A change was needed and was soon to come. The phrase, "men who take care of hygiene do too much" was something that surrounded my head the most. As I got older I took my hygiene serious and strived to have good hygiene. How you may ask? Buy doing the simplest things such as washing your face in the morning, exfoliating, moisturizing, brushing my teeth 3 times a day, and washing my face at night. To bigger goals such as working out, journaling, and even talking to strangers. You see stuff like this brings more happiness, it boosts your confidence. When I changed my self-care and decided to make a difference based on appearance and hygiene, it made my confidence feel better. In which was something I had not felt before, I allowed me to open up more and express myself better. It impacted my life as I saw the importance of self-care and how I regretted it not having done it sooner. I believe self-care is very important in everyday life it allows growth and confidence. Everyone needs confidence in their life.

Words that shatter your heart, words that haunt you forever, words that stab your wounds. I had experienced these kinds of actions in school growing up. In other words I was a victim of bullying, verbal, cyber bullying. It wasn't easy at all there were times where I wanted to give up and leave, other times where I wanted to disappear in the wind and let the wind take me where ever I ended up. However, one thing I wish I had along the way was a friend who I could 'actually' rely on. Friends can mean a lot of things, a 'fake' friend, 'loyal' friend, 'childhood' friend, etc. So many people you can call friends, and yet the definition of a friend varies amongst each one. Looking back at it the people I called 'friends' can be defined differently. However, one thing is for sure, it taught me to become a 'true' friend. As stated before when I was getting bullied I really wish I had that one friend who I could rely on, talk too, who wouldn't judge me, like everyone else did. However, that friend I wanted would help me become that friend to everybody else. The Value if friendship is important to me, the people who are closest to you are your family 'as they say', however we forget that friends are just as important as family, having a good friendship can be very beneficial as it can create confidence and strive you to become better. They can push you to the limits and become an advocate for you. This is what a freindship means to me, and strive to find in a friend, after all you need that one person to believe in you.

Hi my name is Charlie Marban, born and raised in Raleigh NC. I come from immigrant parents who did not finish high school. It was very hard growing up especially where I lived, we lived in a very unsafe neighborhood. I witnessed lots of related crime, gang violence, drug usage, etc. As you can predict it was a neighborhood and side of the city that was filled with bad influences for kids, teens, and young adults. Growing up life wasn't easy as most of my friends fell victim to gangs, crimes, but mostly drugs, looking at them after was hard as the people I grew up with seemed like strangers. However, this would spark my interest in a field that I never thought it would, thus being the criminal justice field. You see, as I'm getting older the people who committed those types of actions fell victims to bad influence. This brought attention to me as I wish I could help them especially those who suffer with substance abuse, which is my main goal. My contribution to this world is help those in need, those who suffer with drugs and guide them into the right path. It's not easy dealing with such an addiction, however with patience and practice it can be very achievable. One change in this world may not seem a lot, however it's something and is a big deal. And I am willing to take that path.

Money is the thing that drives the planet right? I mean we've been told this since we were basically born. And it is true and something that is factual, however as we see on everyday life not everybody has access to the 'green stuff' (money) we see it with he homeless. People who tend to struggle financially. However, as we've seen before different people struggle financially in different ways. College students tend to be one of if not the biggest financial strugglers amongst most groups. Attending a university can be quite expensive and can stress you out with student loans. One of the many financial advises I was told was to save your money no matter what SAVE, SAVE, SAVE. And to this day I still save money into my account and has been very beneficial to me. Moreover you may agree that saving is one of the best financial advises to ever receive. Yet, to me the most helpful financial advice ever given to me was "get as much financial assistance possible." Now that dosent mean have everything paid for you like your food, car, house, etc However, get as much aid as your can possibly get. And even the smallest things you may not even think about are very helpful such as food coupons, discounts, etc. By even lowering down even $1 it's something. In Conclusion, this piece of financial advice I tend to be the best as just by the littlest things that can help you it can make a huge difference.

Life is hard, and can be very stressful. It's like the more you grow up the less happy you are, what my mom always told me growing up is finally becoming a reality, "Charlie your childhood is the most happiest phase in your life." And although some of this is true there are still ways I am happy. Happiness isn't just about smiling, laughing, being bright and cheerful. It's deeper than that it builds your personality and confidence and motivates you to reach your goals. You see as I approached my teen years I fell in love with the arts, my childhood was very rough growing up in a toxic household and severely bullied at school, I was looking for that happiness to glow up my day. Music and Dancing were the first two things I fell in love with and were my escape routes to bring me happiness. I was living in my own dreams and I loved every second of it. However like every other kid/teen you think you'll move on to another thing that catches your attention. However this wasn't;t the case as it's still something I do to this day, music and dancing have stuck by my side since I was younger and is something that makes me very happy. It boosts my confidence and sets me in a great mood.

He had waterfalls coming down his face, a wounded heart, he felt as if he was alone in a box. The boy didn't have anyone to rely on, he was picked on, made fun of, called names, and his name was on the tips of other kids toungs. His name was Charlie, from elementary he was the laughing stock, the example of what not to look like. Eventually Charlie found a passion he loved and adored and something he felt he could look to for support. Life wasn't always easy for me, I unfortunately was a victim of bullying, and verbal abuse at home when I was younger. Kids would pick on me based off the way I looked, talked, dressed, walked, etc. Essentially everything you could think of, it went on for a long time going into early High School. There were times where I didn't want to wake up anymore, let alone continue even glancing at this place we call "earth." However, nothing could prepare me for the unexpected. You see, I never imagine myself falling in love with anything that's until I feel in love with creating stuff. Weather it was music, food, clothes, dance, acting, etc. I was into the performing arts and was a passion I didn't know I had. I would consider it the motive that saved my life, why you ask? Because without it I wouldn't have a dream to chase after. Looking back at the stuff that happened before it built me and molded me into the person I am counting to become. Music, dancing, Acting were my escape routes for whenever I felt down or hurt, sewing, cooking were my stressors for when I felt angry. And now it's time to chase those dreams.

BIg massive buildings, the sound of students, crowded hallways, the blue sky, and start of chilly weather. The things I experienced when I started community college at Wake Tech. I felt intimidated, stressed, anxious, the stories I heard about students complaining about all the work they had, work school jobs , being broke college students. It sounded like a nightmare and the atmosphere was very different than that of my old High School. However to make matters worse I had no-one to guide me my parents never went to college let alone even complete their High School Diploma. I was left to figure out a lot of stuff about college, however one thing I knew for sure that of my mother, "education is important Charlie do what we weren't able to do." It was a struggle having to manage my classes, my schedule, let alone this new enviornment. However, I was determined to master it and get used to it either way I was always open to adapt to new changes. And this was something I was bound to adapt to, I didn't know how but I had to do it. I am an organized person combine that with the fact that I do get hard on myself I was able to control my anxiety and pressure I was feeling. You see, time is a valuable thing and as long as you use your time wisely, time can actually be your friend! And I learned that my freshman year of college, I took the stories I heard about other students and friends and used it to my advantage to avoid those mistakes they committed, moreover to allow myself to prevent it. I created a schedule where everyday I would focus on a class, for example (Monday: English, Tuesday: Math, Wednesday: Psychology, etc.) This was a huge advantage for me as it allowed me to not only reduce my stress, yet turn my work in on time and allow my brain to absorb knowledge. I used my hobbies as rewards to feel better about my accomplishments and my job to remind me of where I am striving too. Moreover, the intimidated, scared Charlie that had started off college with pressure and anxiety quickly became the person who had kind of mastered what a lot of other students failed to to which was, time management/procrastination. I am very happy because not only am I able to work and go to school but still contribute to my hobbies outside of school. In addition, being a first generational college student I've made my mom proud and even more prouder when I receive my B.A. I am currently looking to transfer to a University in the Fall of 2022. However, this time it'll be different because the big massive buildings, sounds of students, crowded hallways, the blue sky, and chily weather won't be so scary after all!