My Caribbean heritage means a lot to me. Growing up in a Haitian household, my sibling and I were raised by hard-working parents that did everything they could to make sure we grew up in a safe environment. The home my parents have established is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and a drive to push for their family. Coming from a different country, my parents didn't have anything when they arrived here in America. It was tough getting by for them while taking care of their children, my sibling and me. That is one of the reasons I am so passionate about attending college. I want to make it out for my parents and do things that they weren't able to do or given the opportunity to do. Both of my parents sacrificed a lot to raise me up into the man that I am and am becoming today. As a child growing up in a Haitian household and seeing how much your family struggles and does for you, it sets a passion in your heart to make sure you go out and do what you can for them and for your own family one day. They have raised me and have taken care of me for 18 years, and I don't want to take my family's hard work to get me here into this country and raise me up through thick and thin for granted. Another reason I am passionate about attending college is because I love sports. Sports is something that I have been a part of since I started my high school career. I love football in particular; the sport has brought me so much pain and struggle, but through it all I have learned some very valuable lessons. It has taught so much, one thing being that life is tough; it has many challenges and hurdles you have to go through for your upbringing. Another thing is that you have to work to achieve and see results. If all you ever do is put forth little effort, you won't grow and develop and attain the things you desire. While I am developing these football virtues, it opened my eyes to the way my parents work day after day; it's hard, and that's life, but they know what they need to do, and they go out and do it. Growing up and watching my parents role model the way to achieve my goals and also pursuing my goals in athletics have taught me a lot, and it takes work to get what you want. Nothing is given; everything is earned.