Reading Jack Terry's story gives a name and a background to one of the millions affected by the Holocaust. It is easy to attribute all of the victims to someone who was subjected to a horrible tragedy. But Jack was much more than that, as they all were. He was not only a Holocaust survivor, but a successful trailblazer who did not let his experience set him back. He was given significantly less opportunities and resources, yet he paved his own route. I find it especially impactful that among all of the many decorated achievements, he still found time to start a family of whom loved him. Jack's story is one that will never leave our memories, and I thank him for his service. I was born into a family of addiction, with my mother constantly asleep from the amount of pills she took and my father inebriated from the mountain of Vodka he would consume daily. With both of my parents knocked out, I grew up in a house of isolation and confusion. No one tells you how to take care of your parents when they are excreting waste all over the floors and what to do when no one is in the right state of mind to buy groceries for the four children living in the home. Having to take on such parental responsibilities forced me to grow up quick and also made me realize for myself what is right and wrong. I pushed myself to be better than they were and create an environment where people feel they belong. I followed through, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and taking on multiple leadership positions to create a difference at any chance I could. Recently, despite my best efforts to rid of any alcohol in the house, the many years of heavy drinking caught up with my father. His passing came with grief, as any death would, but shaped me into a stronger person. I do not resent him in any way, and, in fact, I strive to accomplish even more in hopes of making him proud. I plan on studying to become an instrumental music educator, because I enjoy playing music and observing the effect it has on others. Music is a big part of everyone and especially my parents. My father was an avid musical theatre fan and even participated in band. My mother also studied to become a music educator before the pills halted her plans. Being able to inspire future generations with my teaching is my biggest goal. Children and their parents may not think they are capable of much, but just hearing the beautiful music they can create affirms the efforts and capabilities of any student. I want to show them the one thing that gave me purpose in life.