My name is Lara Gaspard. I am currently a senior at Plantation High School with hopes to major in Journalism. My childhood was in between of what looked like everyone’s dream family, two loving parents and siblings. However, my life isn’t all perfect nor the easiest. My parents struggled financially with 4 kids, living in apartments majority of our lives and still do. My parents were born in Haiti. They never went to college, never owned a home, and never had a career but had dreams of it. I will break my family’s cycle and finish school. Growing up, I lost one of my favorite cousins. My cousin, Veronica April Ford lost her life to a hit and run. I would often see her on newspapers when I was 3 years old. I collected every newspaper my father brought home. In late 2020, during my freshman year, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. That took a HUGE toll on my mental health. I went from an all A’s/ B student to C’s and below. I felt like a failure to the point where I thought living wasn’t an option anymore. I was recommended therapy and pills. Eventually, my mom beat cancer! But more was going on in my life. I missed school a lot because of my mental health, I was struggling but always kept a smile on my face. I start focusing on school and then, another tragic event. Despite what we've been through, my parents told me to never give up on school and stay focused. I’ve always been told I am determined, confident, and so much more. I will be majoring in Journalism 2024 and I can’t wait to show my amazing skills. I have many goals and I can't to accomplish them.