The road ahead has never been easy, and it certainly will not be easy for those with great aspirations. I can see this reality in my own life through the hardships I have faced. However through thee hardships the necessary qualities have been engrained into me so that I can lead others well and reach my own personal career goals. I have suffered parental loss, and been surrounded by disability within my close family. Through these experiences I have been able to personally identify with the hardships that come from having a single mother who needs to provide care for those with disabilities in the family. It certainly is not an easy task, and anyone who has been around even just one person who has a disability knows this . Having been raised by a single mother I have had to learn many tough lessons on my own. However, in some instances I see the situation of my upbringing as having been a key aspect in the construction of my character. Additionally, I have discovered other occasions in which my situation has proven to be a disadvantage. For instance, the funding of my education will be far more difficult to make happen, given the financial struggles my family already must go through. While others may have had parents who have saved funds to help alleviate the costs for their child's higher education, I do not have this luxury. Yet, at the same time I have the necessary attributes to flourish with a college education. I have exceeded both in the classroom, and in leadership positions in my High School. Many could argue I have had a successful high school career: as captain of the varsity soccer team, an all-conference league leader, many league wins, as well district and state runs. Furthermore, I have held class office and am the current president of my school’s chapter of the National Honors Society. By simply applying the world's standards of success to my own life as a high school student I have been successful in leading others. However, I do not consider any of this to be success, because in reality none of this matters to me. What matters most to me is how I one day lead my own family and how I engage with others in the my professional career. My higher educations plans are to study business administration at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, located less than two hours from my high school hear in Lancaster county. Additionally when it comes to my family, matters to me is how I care for them, provide for them, and how hard I work to meet their needs. If I have provided them with opportunities that I alone have not been provided, I will consider myself successful. If I raise my children to love others and love the Lord, then I will consider myself to have been successful. I desire a career in which I can do the kind of work I love, yet also make enough money to allow my family to live comfortably. I do not want my children to have to ask themselves the same questions I have had to ask myself regarding finances. Additionally, I desire opportunities to bless others in the same way I would be blessed in receiving this scholarship. I am certain that I am not the only person in a situation such as this, and one day I hope to serve as a beacon of hope to others who struggle in their situations.