When I was growing up, I would often lie about the truth of who my parents were to my friends. But because of my history, I am now motivated to achieve honor and success. I want my last name to be worthy of respect. I've never met my father, and my mom never completed high school. I had to learn to be strong and mature at a young age. This kind of mentality at such a young age caused me to become aware that I wasn't like the other kids. My father who was incarcerated before I was born, was incarcerated again when I was a child, and again when I was a teenager. He has never had a direct effect on my life, but I would be lying if I said he has had no impact on my life, my goals, my academics, all of it. He has always been an absent father. For the longest time, I would say anything but acknowledge that my father was a criminal who wouldn't even meet his own son. I would make up stories and lies about who my father really was. I always wanted a hero as a father, instead, I had a criminal. Growing up, my home was far from peaceful. My mother and stepfather, who was yet another former convict, were always fighting and their disagreements often escalated into physical and emotional abuse. This constant stress had a profound effect on me, and I struggled to focus on my studies while dealing with the emotional trauma at home. I didn't have any idea then, but looking back I was in an extremely bad situation. I was largely unaware of anything going on in my life. I was just a boy. I failed academically as my parents didn't push me, I had no idea I had any kind of academic potential. My grandparents made the difficult decision to end their new retirements and give me a fresh start. As a first-generation student, I faced a lot of challenges that my peers didn't have to deal with. It was hard to keep up with the students after being so withdrawn, but my grandparents continued to push me for success. It was instilled in me that if I wanted to get something, I would have to take it. I matured and eventually, I was one of the most academically gifted kids in school, I also began to become involved in sports and became a gifted athlete with something to prove. Despite these challenges, I persevered. I am able to express myself creatively and developed my skills as a leader. I gained a sense of purpose. I was reluctant to look back at my past but also resisted letting go of it. I've reached a point where I'm content to forgive what has happened. It has given me the opportunity to start something fresh as I open a new chapter in my life. My father figures mistakes do not define me.