Being born into a family with not one, but all three of the highlighted circumstances has been as educational and inspiring as it has been difficult. At ten months old my parents split, my mother who was a waitress was forced to move us back into my grandparents home in Mentor Ohio. Growing up I never understood why we couldn’t live in the nice houses or go out to eat often, it only fueled my desire for success. Constantly trying to make ends meet is far from a desirable lifestyle, surely not one you would wish on someone you care for. Much of my childhood was spent window shopping, eating what was cheap, being told what I couldn’t have but never why we couldn’t afford it. At thirteen, my stepdad was diagnosed with melanoma. For the past five years his fight has been ongoing and caused him to lose the ability to work at full capacity. All of these factors have led me to want nothing but the best for those around me. As an Eagle Scout, first generation college student, soon to be honors high school graduate and more, I plan to make the best of the life that has been given to me and defy the stereotypes associated with the circumstances at hand. As of now, I’m a high school senior in my second year of community college through a transfer program at my school. I’m on track to graduate with my diploma as well as most of an associates in arts & business. Afterwards, I plan to transfer to a 4 year institution to finish that degree and earn a bachelors in marketing. Long term, I aspire to have a career in government contracting or professional sales and eventually open my own real estate agency. All in all, living in a crammed household and never having the money for the things I want, combined with an absent father figure for most of my life and cancer nearly taking the life of the only one I’ve ever known has inspired me to do great things. I dream of a life free of financial worry, without scant food and illness free. A life where my children can be more successful than I, not falling victim to the cycle of generational poverty and lack of higher education. As a scout I must live a life of cheerful service, as my mother’s only son I must live a life of success.