“Somehow, destiny comes into play. These children end up with you, and you end up with them. It’s something quite magical.” – Nicole Kidman. Not everyone can be put into the right home, especially abandoned kids. There is an accord that adoption is suitable, and every kid who has been through adoption must feel comfortable, happy, and appreciative. I'm afraid I have to disagree with that wholeheartedly because there are moments I considered my loss of parents my responsibility. I sensed abandonment at a young age. I always wanted to prove to them that I was worth keeping. But I was only five years old. How could I know that they did not want me? How could I know that I was not enough? I was given a second chance by a wonderful family. The Sheed family was the best thing that ever happened to me. I didn't think anyone would ever be able to love me, but they showed me differently. This family accepted me as their own. I learned what real love is. No, I was not adopted but I was taken in by my Aunt and Uncle. My education changed so much over these past 17 years. I'm so thankful for what was given to me. I was surrounded by good kids who influenced me to be good and kind. I had the sweetest teachers who taught me all these different subjects that I wouldn't have learned in elementary school. I got good grades, had good behavior, and participated in sports. I wanted to prove to my birth mom that I'm better without her, that she lost a good kid. I'm sitting here in my last year of high school, planning my future with my real family. They are all helping me to get where I want to go—all the support and encouragement. John and Tracey Sheed, my Aunt and Uncle, are a one-of-a-kind married couple. And I know there is no perfect family, but this one was perfect for me. This family gave me a better education and living style. I had my room and was put into a Catholic school. It was an outstanding school compared to my other public schools. No, they weren’t rich and we do live in a not-so-good neighborhood but never look at someone differently by the place they live. This scholarship can make a difference for my family and me because taking in another kid can be difficult and my Aunt and Uncle have taken in a lot of Foster kids besides me. So trust me I know money is tight and there are days my guardians are struggling with paying tuition and making sure we have food to eat. They just want us to have a better education. They give me the motivation every day to make sure all the hard work and money they put into my education is totally worth it. I have learned a lot over the past four years in high school. I’ve been introduced to works of leadership, hard work, discipline, kindness, charity, and love. I know that many people are applying for this scholarship and I understand that maybe more people have a better chance than me, but I promise that I will use it to the best ability. And to get where I need to go and I will not waste it. I will graduate college and get my bachelor's and maybe two more years after that. Whatever it takes to be the career that I want to be.