Change has always been a constant in my life. I’ve attended seven different schools from elementary through high school, and each transition forced me to adapt quickly or risk falling behind. I learned early on that if you’re going to make it, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. I was raised by a single mother who has always done everything in her power to give me the best life possible. My dad, though he lived nearby, has never been a consistent presence in my life. His involvement came in brief moments — showing up to a game here or there — but those memories are scattered and vague. I’ve had to accept that, and it’s shaped how I define family and reliability. We moved often — across the country, from state to state — chasing stability, opportunity, and what my mom believed was best for us. I love my mom deeply, and I’m proud of who I’ve become because of her, but our life hasn’t always been easy. There were times when she worked multiple jobs and I bounced from daycare to daycare. At one point, we blended with another family through marriage, I gained stepbrothers, but eventually had to rebuild from the ground up when that relationship didn’t work out. Even though there was constant change and a need to adapt, academics were always a priority in our home. My mom held high expectations, especially when it came to school. I’ve always worked hard, but I struggled with focus. I often found myself daydreaming in class without even realizing it. Over time, this got worse, and my teachers grew frustrated. Eventually, after evaluations, I was diagnosed with both ADHD and ADD. My mom fought hard to get me the help I needed — from medication to strategies that helped me stay on track. Once I learned how to manage it, things began to click. I’ve always been intelligent, but now I could prove it. I grew stronger each year, and discovered a deep understanding and love for math. At first, I thought I wanted to pursue engineering, but as I learned more about myself, I realized my true passion lies in finance. I love numbers, strategy, and the potential to make real-world impact. My goal is to attend a school that offers strong business programs and a campus community where I can grow and where I can contribute as well. I hope to major in Business with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Sports Management if possible. Sports are a big part of my life — not just playing, but serving the youth in my community through coaching, refereeing and mentorship. I want to be a role model for kids who, like me, may not have the “perfect” situation. Kids who don’t come from two-parent households, who may not always feel seen, who can’t afford all the extras — I want them to know they can succeed. I am so blessed and thankful for the way I was raised and the obstacles that have helped shaped me into who I am today. I'm excited to see where the next phase in life takes me, because one thing I know for sure, I'm ready for the change and challenge ahead.