I grew up as a child in poverty, and was raised by my mother. We encountered numerous hardships, and it was not until I was an adult that I realized why mom did not eat at dinner with me so many nights. Which creates the foundation to which I build my goals and asperations today as a single parent struggling to support my daughter. Over the past three years, I have worked diligently to achieve significant academic and professional milestones, all while balancing the responsibilities of being a single father. During this period, I successfully completed two associate degrees and a bachelor's degree, a testament to my commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. Alongside my academic pursuits, I earned the prestigious PMP credentialing and SHRM-CP credentialing, which have significantly enhanced my professional capabilities and opened new avenues for career advancement. My dedication to service and excellence has been recognized through various awards and honors. I was deeply honored to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award (PSVA), acknowledging my commitment to community service and volunteerism. Additionally, I was named to the All State Academic Team, a recognition that highlights my academic achievements and dedication to scholastic excellence. My involvement with the North East Tarrant County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class has been particularly enriching. This experience not only allowed me to develop leadership skills but also facilitated meaningful connections within the community. My efforts were recognized with letters of recognition from both the Texas Senate and Congress, further validating my contributions and dedication to leadership and civic engagement. Balancing these achievements with the demands of parenthood has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. Each accomplishment represents a step toward a brighter future for my daughter and me. The support and recognition I have received have been instrumental in motivating me to push forward and continue striving for excellence. These experiences have not only equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge but also reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact in my community and profession.

I work in the non-profit field helping at-risk poverty, as I was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding their children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with their families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that their situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by 2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven experiencing food insecurity, meaning they already do not know when they will eat next. It is statistics like these, and my history of growing up in poverty that inspired me to be a change agent within the community I live. I am now a Director of Operations at a local 501c3 organization that works to combat these harsh facts, and to improve the lives of families by restoring hope in the community. My team works to fight food insecurity, improve adult education, and provide safe and affordable housing to victims of violence and poverty. Part of my contribution is to not only manage portions of these services, but to speak on them at public events, city chamber meetings, and large gatherings. Poverty does not have a universal cause, nor does it have a simple one solution cure. But we as a nation can fight poverty and food insecurity if we all turned towards it and acknowledged it for the problem it is. Which is why I am proud to be working at the Community Enrichment Center, an agency that helps at-risk families with food, education, housing, financial coaching, and victims counseling. An agency that not only operates in the community, but partners with other organizations, like United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank. Each of these organizations requires people passionate about there communities, passionate about people, and passionate about change. We need strong, community minded leaders that are willing to stand for innovation and advocacy for those that don't have a voice in our local municipalities. And I am proud to say that I am a local leader, and if others join me, change and improvement are possible for hundred to thousands of families in our communities. It is through advocacy, community, and restoring hope in our communities that we can change the world. And it is my dream that what I contribute to here, will allow me to make difference in someone else's life so that hopefully they do not need to experience what I did as a child. Every child, and every family deserves the opportunity to live a life where they are not afraid of when they will eat next.

I work in the non-profit field helping at-risk poverty, as I was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding their children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with their families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that their situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by 2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven experiencing food insecurity, meaning they already do not know when they will eat next. It is statistics like these, and my history of growing up in poverty that inspired me to be a change agent within the community I live. I am now a Director of Operations at a local 501c3 organization that works to combat these harsh facts, and to improve the lives of families by restoring hope in the community. My team works to fight food insecurity, improve adult education, and provide safe and affordable housing to victims of violence and poverty. Part of my contribution is to not only manage portions of these services, but to speak on them at public events, city chamber meetings, and large gatherings. Poverty does not have a universal cause, nor does it have a simple one solution cure. But we as a nation can fight poverty and food insecurity if we all turned towards it and acknowledged it for the problem it is. Which is why I am proud to be working at the Community Enrichment Center, an agency that helps at-risk families with food, education, housing, financial coaching, and victims counseling. An agency that not only operates in the community, but partners with other organizations, like United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank. It is through advocacy, community, and restoring hope in our communities that we can change the world. And it is my dream that what I contribute to here, will allow me to make difference in someone else's life so that hopefully they do not need to experience what I did as a child. Every child, and every family deserves the opportunity to live a life where they are not afraid of when they will eat next.

I have struggled with depression and self-doubt for many years. Through those struggles I've learned to recognize things that are important to me, and activities that help me process my emotions. Which in turn has let me alleviate a great deal of personal stress in my life. This has led me towards a growth mindset based on being self-aware and keeping a healthy lifestyle. If an individual knows their faults, they can learn their strengths, which will then allow them to focus their energy on positive aspects of their lives. Rather than spending that time and energy on negative activities and potentially self-destructive habits. One of the best activities for me has been learning martial arts. Which provided a physical outlet for my frustrations and doubts. Along with honing my mind and focus so that I could become more productive with my time, and a better person in general. This has in turn allowed me to lead a better and more active lifestyle. Coupled with martial arts, I have taken to writing novels, and have completed one book. This accomplishment has given me a profound sense of completion and a great deal of pride. Writing my first novel took me almost two years, but now that it's concluded I've shown myself that I can indeed accomplish extraordinary goals and overcome great personal benchmarks. Which has given me a significant boost to my self-esteem. By giving myself these outlets, it has let me remove a great deal of strain in life that I had not realized was always there. This helped me become a better father, a better partner, and a better man in general. Leading to a much better professional life, and a profoundly improved personal life for myself and my family. These new habits and success have in turn inspired my partner and my daughter to set higher standards and bigger goals for themselves. Becoming a catalyst for them to push themselves harder to lead healthier, more ethically responsible lives. Creating a cycle of self-improvement and inspiration within our household, as their successes and accomplishments continue to inspire me to do better and be better. Each of these incremental opportunities for growth has created a chain of positive influences and developments that I hope spreads to everyone in my life. Because it has been a revolutionary change and improvement for me and my family, and that is why I cannot emphasize enough the importance of living a mentally and physically healthy life.

In the past, I suffered from chronic depression, insomnia, and bad anxiety attacks. And through a combination of extensive counseling, finding good creative releases from stress, and positive influences in my life, I've managed to move past most of that. Like most people that have suffered from depression, it's not something that you ever seem to fully get away from. Rather it seems to resurface randomly, and always that inconvenient times. But I don't view this as a negative thing anymore, because it's given me a different perspective on the world for the challenges I've had to overcome. I know that I cannot simply grind away at a job and hope that eventually I'll make enough money to be happy. I know that I cannot ignore my problems and hope that eventually they will fix themselves. Rather I have learned that I have to rise above them, and sometimes that means getting help, sometimes that means being persistent and thoughtful. But it always means acknowledging that there's a problem, that way it can be worked through. Dispute the negative things depression has done to me, especially when I've been ridiculed for it. It has shown me that I can do anything given the right motivation. That I don't need to let anything, including myself hold me back. Because at the end of the day, I am my own personal, greatest critique, and my positive driving force. With that perspective, I plan to become a full-time writer. Because it was literature that helped me move beyond a lot of my problems. Specifically, sci-fi and fantasy novels, where heroes could go through extraordinary situations and still come out on top. I hope to one day properly articulate the struggles that I feel on the inside, and translate them into a character that people can relate to on paper. Some people might call that selfish, but truthfully, the authors provided me just as much therapy as my counselors did. I don't say that to detract from modern therapy. There have been so many recent developments in the mental health field, that I've strongly debated going back for more help since things have changed substantially from when I was a teenager. But I do know that having that outlet gave me an inspiration that did not exist in my life. And if I could do that for any one person while pursuing something that I'm passionate about, it would mean the world to me. It won't be a simple undertaking I know, but I do know that I can do it. I've gone from living in poverty and depression to becoming a successful and well-established adult. Then to become a community advocate, and shifted my career to helping families in need and families at risk. Each transition shows me not just what I can do, but that what I do can make a difference. Unfortunately, this is also something I have to remind myself of every day. I have to tell myself that things are better and that things will continue to get better. Providing for myself that positive reinforcement can sometimes feel like the only thing that stops me from slipping back down that slide into a much darker place. But if I've overcome it in the past, I know I can do so in the future.

I love nature and the world for perhaps the most Darwinian reason imaginable. This is our world, we only get one, and we have to live on it regardless of what we do to it. I want to live in a world that is not slowly imploding, or being worn down because of reckless stewardship. Rather I want to live in a world Where I can get up in the morning, have a hot cup of coffee, and look out my window at a beautiful forest. I try to appreciate nature by attempting to have a positive and proactive impact on the environment. Which I believe is a relatively simple endeavor, and anyone can do it with a few easy considerations. The simplest of which is to recycle, which can preserve and improve or world immensely. There are many things people can do, like recycling, that only require a small conscious effort to make lasting changes and improvements. These conscious actions can also be beneficial if people garden or do neighborhood improvement projects. Recycling organic waste such as eggshells and banana peels make excellent fertilizer for home gardens. And getting a ride with a group to work and back every day can significantly reduce carbon emissions. I try to do both of those, but people can always take it a step further. They can recycle aluminum, or plastic, along with other waste materials. They can always look to carpool to more areas, or ride their bike. The exercise from the cardiovascular workout of riding a bike back and forth from a location is so good for the heart, and the planet.

The goal of keeping a growth mindset is too self-aware. If you know your faults, and you know your strengths, then you can focus your energy on what you need to be doing. Rather than spending most of your time focused on what you want to be doing. A growth mindset comes from living a happy and healthy life. The best way to do this is to understand where your stress factors are in life and to minimize them. Once you have minimized your stress, understand your coping mechanisms for venting and dealing with stress. I love martial arts and will rotate between the gym and martial arts as ways for me to vent my stress while also maintaining a healthy body. This keeps my mind sharp and my anxiety low, which in turn allows me to excel in other areas of my life, like academics. Once you have freed your mind from most of your physical burdens and stress, I think it is important to hone and sharpen your intellect. School, work, and finding stimulating and exciting challenges are essential for self-growth. This is how I continually grow as a person, and how I hope to live a longer, and more fulfilling life.

In the past, I suffered from chronic depression, insomnia, and bad anxiety attacks. And through a combination of extensive counseling, finding good creative releases for stress, and positive influences in my life, I've managed to move past most of that. Like most people that have suffered from depression, it's not something that you ever seem to fully get away from. Rather it seems to resurface randomly, and always that inconvenient times. But I don't view this as a negative thing anymore, because it's given me a different perspective on the world for the challenges I've had to overcome. I know that I cannot simply grind away at a job and hope that eventually I'll make enough money to be happy. I know that I cannot ignore my problems and hope that eventually they will fix themselves. Rather I have learned that I have to rise above them, and sometimes that means getting help, sometimes that means being persistent and thoughtful. But it always means acknowledging that there's a problem, that way it can be worked through. Dispute the negative things depression has done to me, especially when I've been ridiculed for it. It has shown me that I can do anything given the right motivation. That I don't need to let anything, including myself hold me back. Because at the end of the day, I am my own personal, greatest critique, and my positive driving force. With that perspective, I plan to become a full-time writer. Because it was a literature that helped me move beyond a great deal of my problems. Specifically, sci-fi and fantasy novels, where heroes could go through extraordinary situations and still come out on top. I hope to one day properly articulate the struggles that I feel on the inside, and translate them to a character that people can relate to on paper. Some people might call that selfish, but truthfully, the authors provided me just as much therapy as my counselors did. I don't say that to detract from modern therapy. There have been so many recent developments in the mental health field, that I've strongly debated going back for more help since things have changed substantially from when I was a teenager. But I do know that having that outlet gave me an inspiration that did not exist in my life. And if I could do that for anyone person while pursuing something that I'm passionate about, it would mean the world to me. It won't be a simple undertaking I know, but I do know that I can do it. I've gone from living in poverty and depression to becoming a successful and well-established adult. Then to become a community advocate, and shifted my career to helping families in need and families at risk. Each transition shows me not just what I can do, but that what I do can make a difference. Unfortunately, this is also something I have to remind myself of every day. I have to tell myself that things are better and that things will continue to get better. Providing for myself that positive reinforcement can sometimes feel like the only thing that stops me from slipping back down that slide into a much darker place. But if I've overcome it in the past, I know I can do so in the future.

I have struggled with depression and self-doubt for many years. Through those struggles I've learned to recognize things that are important to me, and activities that help me process my emotions. Which in turn has let me alleviate a great deal of personal stress in my life. One of the best activities for this has been learning martial arts. Which provided a physical outlet for my frustrations and doubts. Along with honing my mind and focus so that I can be more productive with my time, and a better person in general. Making practice a week for routine for me, and a new passion. Coupled with martial arts, I have taken to writing novels, and have completed one book. This accomplishment has given me a profound sense of completion and a great deal of pride. Writing my first novel took me almost two years, but now that it's concluded I've shown myself that I can indeed do it. Which has given me a significant boost to my self-esteem. By giving myself these outlets, it has let me remove a great deal of strain in life that I had not realized was always there. This helped me become a better father, a better partner, and a better man in general.

Friendship is more than simply coming together with mutual interests. It is sharing a bond where you can rely on another individual through bad and good ordeals. Friends are a support network that lifts us and encourages us to reach better heights than we can do alone. Making friendship for me, a source of strength and a pillar of my livelihood. Without good solid friends as a foundation in your life, it's very hard to excel. Friends can be there when we beat ourselves up, or when life gets us down, and they can raise us back up to be a better version of ourselves. Meaning that without those close ties and that support network, it would be difficult if not impossible, and most certainly improbable to reach your full potential. This is why the friends in my life are so dearly valued, and I can never thank them enough for all the support they've given me.

Greetings and Salutations, I am your local Jiminy Cricket of the community, Nick. It is my job to help others pursue there dreams, and to provide them the resource, means, and encouragement to push past there current situations. Though this is never easy, I work to break down the barriers that families of poverty and violence have in there lives. While doing this in the community, I strive to provide the best possible life I can to my own family, and specifically my daughter. So I push myself every day to be an example of what our world can be.

Patience is similar to wisdom, you cannot understand it until you attain it. The concept is simple, if you wait, you will learn. But the practice can be frustrating, difficult, emotionally exhausting, and anxiety-inducing. Learning to be patient means learning a form of mastery over yourself, and learning to accept when you cannot change a situation. We cannot always "make" something happen, regardless of our drive, ability, intelligence, or will. This is why we need patience. Through learning when to act, and when to wait, we can become better stewards of our mental well-being. Which in turn allows us to release much of the unhealthy emotions that come with fighting against time. I think one of the best examples of this comes from the serenity prayer, which encourages emotional growth in people. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." In this prayer, serenity is almost synonymous with patience, and these are words to live by.

1) "Do not go gentle into that good night!" - Dylan Thomas This powerful sentence was written by poet Dylan Thomas, and he uses it in verse when pleading for his father to not give up on life. It is eloquent, compelling, and resonates with anyone who reads it. It is, simply put, a visceral call to all those that read it to not lay down, not give up, and not let themselves go gently into that good night. As a single father who works full time, attends full-time school and supports his household, I can feel this message at the core of my being. My difficulties and plights are the same as millions of Americans, and it is for that reason that we need to remember that it's ok to fight for our beliefs. It's ok to strive, pursue, and try to make our lives and with the world around us better. But most of all, it's ok to fail, as long as you do not give up. These are the things I have learned from the world, and these are the core beliefs that lead me to Christ. My walk with the lord may have begun when I first entered this world, but I did not realize and accept it until just a few years ago. I now know that Christ will not let me go gently into that good night, rather he will walk with me through every storm and battle. Then, when it is my time, he will guide me into that good night as an old friend. 2) Excellence means doing what is right, and what is needed, even if it is not what is popular. As a Christian and a believer, I must teach by example, live a good life, and not judge others for their actions. Rather I must encourage them, and if they desire, guide them towards the Lord. This view of discipleship and purpose is not popular with many Christians where I live, and many find it easier to condemn rather than to lead. But the Bible does not call on us to be Pharisees or judges, it calls on us to be good Christians. We are called to be teachers, disciples, and examples, not bigots. Thus I find myself at odds when I correct one of my brothers or sisters that forget this God-given purpose. 3) I will, as with all things, thank the Lord for his infinite grace, and for choosing to share his mercy with me. I will thank his son, Jesus Christ for his sacrifice, which has made all things possible through forgiveness. Then I will thank my family and my loved ones for all they have done in supporting me on my journey.

First and foremost, I am a parent, and my heart and soul go into providing for my daughter. I feel there is no greater calling in my life than that of being a father. It is my singular goal to teach and inspire my teenage daughter to avoid the mistakes of my past and to raise her to be a strong, independent, courteous, and intelligent young woman. Nothing is more important to me than the future of my child, and that means that I need to constantly strive to be an inspiration to her. This is why I push myself to excellence every day by maintaining a full-time job, full-time school with a 4.0 GPA. However, regardless of my projects, work, or school, I always make time for her. I did not grow up with the opportunities or the resources that most children did. And because of that, I recognize how important it is to have the love, support, and encouragement of a parent. This is why, despite my busy and stressful life, I always have time for her. There are so many lessons I have learned over my many years of hardship and tribulation. But it has taught me that I am a singularly driven individual. My determination and my patience are traits that have allowed me to excel beyond what I had thought were possible. And I cannot imagine that I would have found this level of dedication and resolve if it were not for my daughter. My little child has been my drive, my motivation, and my greatest source of strength as I push the boundaries of what I am capable of. I hope to show her that same encouragement, dedication, and motivation as she makes her transition from my little girl. To a woman that I believe will leave a lasting, and profound mark on the world.

Have multiple investment accounts. I cannot stress this enough, having multiple accounts and a diverse investment portfolio helps mitigate loss. More importantly, it encourages financial growth. I have a 401K company retirement account, which I invest 4% of my checks into every pay period. But I also have a ROTH IRA that I invest another 4% into every month since when I retire, the money I pull from it will be tax-free. This gives me two accounts, and in a pinch, I can borrow against my 401k for emergencies. Coupled with this I have an investment portfolio for Crypto and Stock options. These options I rotate, and will usually only invest in stocks that yield dividends. Whereas my Crypto, I will buy low, or when a stock gets popular, then sell after a few months when the hype is wearing off. I did this with Doge, and it got me out of debt and allowed me to start attending college. Invest smart, spread your investments out, and be ok with waiting. Those are the keys to financial growth.

It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by mid-2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven already experiencing food insecurity, meaning those families do not know when they will eat next. I work in the non-profit field helping at-risk families affected by poverty, as I was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding their children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with their families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that their situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. My employment has allowed me to mix my passion with my work. I organize major seasonal events and projects focused on providing food, resources, and encouragement to families. One of the primary events was a back-to-school giveaway. This centers on helping low-income children receive all the supplies they need to return to school that they could not normally afford. The second major event is a Christmas resource and toy drive directly benefiting families of violence and poverty. I also contribute to a plethora of our companies daily activities that benefit at-risk families. These programs range from fundraising and resource events for families. A specialized adult education course with child care. Along with daily financial coaching, a full-service food pantry, and victims of violence counseling.

I grew up in poverty and experienced physical and emotional abuse through my early life. Which lead me to make many reckless and juvenile mistakes. Which eventually resulted in me becoming a father at the age of seventeen. That moment became a clarion wake-up call to my life. I realized that I was headed down a dangerous path that I might not be able to come back from. More importantly, I recognize that I was not the kind of man that a child could be proud of at that point in my life. So I set out to change that, and I removed myself from the negative influences around me. Determinately setting out to create a career and a lifestyle that would be good for a child. Because I knew from the first time that I held my child, that I needed to do better, and be better. If not for my sake, for hers. During those years of struggle, I built a foundation of faith and dedication that did not exist in my younger self. Each challenge and lesson eventually culminated in me working in the non-profit field. Which allowed me to provide help and guidance to others that I never received during my years of struggle. This unique opportunity to inspire and help others by sharing my experiences and knowledge has let me help hundreds of at-risk families escape poverty and violence. I have faced a lot of challenges in my life, but those emotional, physical, mental, and financial hardships that surrounded my early life. Have forged me into a man that my daughter can be proud of. Now it is not only my mission but my career to help others rise above their circumstances so that they can achieve their dreams and goals.

A healthy long life comes comes from living a happy and healthy life. The best way to do this is to understand where your stress factors are in life, and to minimize them. Once you have minimized your stress, understand your cooping mechanisms for venting and dealing with stress. I personally love martial arts, and will rotate between the gym and martial arts as ways for me to vent my stress while also maintaining a healthy body. This keeps my mind sharp and my anxiety low, which in turn allows me to excel in other areas of my life, like academics. Once you have freed your mind from most of your physical burdens and stress, I think it is important to hone and sharpen your intellect. School, work, and finding stimulating and exciting challenges are essential for self growth. This is how I continually grow as a person, and how I hope to live a longer, and more fulfilling life.

I can think of no obstacle as terrifying or daunting to me as when my ex left with no word or warning, departed the state, and taking my daughter with her. Despite my ex and I having been broken up for some time, she had lived close by, and we had a civil fifty-fifty custody arrangement. But on a weekend I was supposed to pick up my child from her apartment, I arrived to find the lights off, home empty, and her car gone. The struggle in finding my daughter, then finding a lawyer that I could afford, nearly broke me spiritually and emotionally. Those years of fear, worry, and slow progress towards finding my child and providing her a safe home where difficult. As a father, it seemed I had little to no hope of doing better then getting partial custody, even after investing my life savings, giving up my car, and working three jobs to afford the lawyer. Those events transpired eight years ago, and I now own a new car, and my daughter and I live happily in the house I had bought those years ago. It is now my mission to show her that she can be anything, do anything, so long as she is willing to put in the work and apply herself. So I do my part by being encouraging, and leading by example. I work and go to school full time, and always have time for my teenage daughter. We go to movies, and enjoy many of the same hobbies now. I am also a community advocate, and am an Operations Manager at a not-for-profit organization that helps families in need. Where I organize daily operations, and plan large yearly event that help victims of poverty and family violence.

I grew up in poverty, and experienced physical and emotional abuse through my early life. Which lead me to make many reckless, and juvenile mistakes. Eventually resulting in me becoming a father at the age of seventeen. That moment became a clarion wake up call to my life. I realized that I was headed down a dangerous path that I might not be able to come back from. More importantly, I recognize that I was not the kind of man that a child could be proud of at that point in my life. So I set out to change that, and I removed myself from the negative influences around me. Determinately setting out to create a career and a lifestyle that would be good for a child. Because I knew from the first time that I held my child, that I needed to do better, and be better. If not for my sake, for hers. Sadly, this revelation was not shared by the mother of my child. Leading to many arguments and difficult choices, culminating in a court battle. It was an immense challenge, and as a father, I had great adversity from the onset. But I eventually won full custody of my daughter. In my slow march towards progress and change, I found that sacrifice was a cornerstone of my life. I would have to choose what I would need to do without so that my child could have what she needed. I would meal plan for an entire month, scrimping together coupons and pennies to have enough to get us through. Every day day was a fresh set of challenges, each of which felt like a monumental obstacle. But with each success, each small, agonizingly slow step forward, we have improved our lives. We now have enough of a life that I can afford, if barely, to attend college. I study long nights, and use my breaks at work to submit assignments while trying to be the best father I can. But we are nearly there, and progression has given me hope. During those years of struggle, I built a foundation of faith and dedication that did not exist in my younger self. Each challenge and lesson eventually culminated in me working in the non-profit field so that I could provide the help and guidance that I never received during my struggles. Allowing me to share my experiences and knowledge with others in a career helping at risk families, victims of poverty, and individuals escaping abuse. I have faced a great deal of challenges in my life, but those challenges, the emotional, physical, mental, and financial hardships that surrounded my life. Have forged me into a man that my daughter can be proud of. Now it is not only my mission, but my career to help others rise above there circumstances so that they can achieve there dreams and goals.

I can think of no obstacle as terrifying or daunting to me as when my ex left with no word or warning, departed the state, and taking my daughter with her. Despite my ex and I having been broken up for some time, she had lived close by, and we had a civil fifty-fifty custody arrangement. But on a weekend I was supposed to pick up my child from here apartment, I arrived to find the lights off, home empty, and her car gone. The struggle in finding my daughter, then finding a lawyer that I could afford, nearly broke me spiritually and emotionally. Those years of fear, worry, and slow progress towards finding my child and providing her a safe home where difficult. As a father, it seemed I had little to no hope of doing better then getting partial custody, even after investing my life savings, giving up my car, and working three jobs to afford the lawyer. Those events transpired eight years ago, and I now own a new car, and my daughter and I live happily in the house I had bought those years ago. It is now my mission to show her that she can be anything, do anything, so long as she is willing to put in the work and apply herself. So I do my part by being encouraging, and leading by example. I work and go to school full time, and always have time for my teenage daughter. We go to movies, and enjoy many of the same hobbies now. I am also a community advocate, and am an Operations Manager at a not-for-profit organization that helps families in need. Where I organize daily operations, and plan large yearly event that help victims of poverty and family violence.

I am first and foremost a parent, and my heart and soul go into providing for my daughter. I feel there is no greater calling in my life then that of being a father. It is my singular goal to teach my teenage daughter to avoid the mistakes of my past, and to raise her to be strong, independent, courteous, and intelligent. I stay true to this by simply being the best me possible, so that I can be the best remodel possible. I work hard, study hard, push myself hard, and always remain polite, respectful, and smiling. That's how I want my daughter to remember me, as driven, motivated, and loving. Because there is no greater gift I can leave the world, and no deed I will ever be as proud of, as my daughter. If I can be the best me, it will show her that anything is possible. I do not let work, school, or stress stop me from being there, being supportive, or spending time with her.

It is my goal as a parent to be a role model and a mentor, and to provide my daughter with the knowledge and tools to make better decisions then I did at her age. I work diligently to show her not only with words, but with actions, that the sky is the limit. And I do so every day, in both subtle and direct ways. Currently I work full time, attend collage full time, and always have time for her. We work on her homework, spend time playing with our dogs, and going for walks. She is now a teenager, and is growing and developing in ways that are hard for me to keep up with. But open communication and a close bond have allowed both of us to grow. I know I cannot make choices for her, and despite my best efforts and advice, she will do some things regardless. But I can rest assured in the knowledge that I did all I could, that I taught and showed her as best I could. And she can take comfort that no matter what happens, no matter the triumph or mistake, that I will be there for her.

I grew up in poverty, and experienced physical and emotional abuse through my early life. Which lead me to make many reckless, and juvenile mistakes. Eventually resulting in me becoming a father at the age of seventeen. That moment became a clarion wake up call to my life. I realized that I was headed down a dangerous path that I might not be able to come back from. More importantly, I recognize that I was not the kind of man that a child could be proud of at that point in my life. So I set out to change that, and I removed myself from the negative influences around me. Determinately setting out to create a career and a lifestyle that would be good for a child. Because I knew from the first time that I held my child, that I needed to do better, and be better. If not for my sake, for hers. Sadly, this revelation was not shared by the mother of my child. Leading to many arguments and difficult choices, culminating in a court battle. It was a immense challenge, and as a father, I had great adversity from the onset. But I eventually won full custody of my daughter. During those years of struggle, I have built a foundation of faith and dedication that did not use to exist. I have created a career helping helping at risk families. And I have purchased a home, and a vehicle, all while pursuing my college education. I have faced a great deal of challenges in my life, but I am so immensely proud to be a father. Because that has given me the inspiration for success. My daughter deserves a better life than I had, and I have applied every ounce of my being to providing that.

I grew up in poverty, and experienced physical and emotional abuse through my early life. Which lead me to make many reckless, and juvenile mistakes. Eventually resulting in me becoming a father at the age of seventeen. That moment became a clarion wake up call to my life. I realized that I was headed down a dangerous path that I might not be able to come back from. More importantly, I recognize that I was not the kind of man that a child could be proud of at that point in my life. So I set out to change that, and I removed myself from the negative influences around me. Determinately setting out to create a career and a lifestyle that would be good for a child. Because I knew from the first time that I held my child, that I needed to do better, and be better. If not for my sake, for hers. Sadly, this revelation was not shared by the mother of my child. Leading to many arguments and difficult choices, culminating in a court battle. It was a immense challenge, and as a father, I had great adversity from the onset. But I eventually won full custody of my daughter. During those years of struggle, I have built a foundation of faith and dedication that did not use to exist. I have created a career helping helping at risk families. And I have purchased a home, and a vehicle, all while pursuing my college education. I have faced a great deal of challenges in my life, but I am so immensely proud to be a father. Because that has given me the inspiration for success. My daughter deserves a better life than I had, and I have applied every ounce of my being to providing that.

I grew up in poverty, and experienced physical and emotional abuse through my early life. Which lead me to make many reckless, and juvenile mistakes. Eventually resulting in me becoming a father at the age of seventeen. That moment became a clarion wake up call to my life. I realized that I was headed down a dangerous path that I might not be able to come back from. More importantly, I recognize that I was not the kind of man that a child could be proud of at that point in my life. So I set out to change that, and I removed myself from the negative influences around me. Determinately setting out to create a career and a lifestyle that would be good for a child. Because I knew from the first time that I held my child, that I needed to do better, and be better. If not for my sake, for hers. Sadly, this revelation was not shared by the mother of my child. Leading to many arguments and difficult choices, culminating in a court battle. It was a immense challenge, and as a father, I had great adversity from the onset. But I eventually won full custody of my daughter. During those years of struggle, I have built a foundation of faith and dedication that did not use to exist. I have created a career helping helping at risk families. And I have purchased a home, and a vehicle, all while pursuing my college education. I have faced a great deal of challenges in my life, but I am so immensely proud to be a father. Because that has given me the inspiration for success. My daughter deserves a better life than I had, and I have applied every ounce of my being to providing that.

As a child of poverty, one of my great passions is to help families in poverty or at risk of poverty. I used to do volunteer work for ministries and missions that focused on that goal. But I never got in the amount of time I wanted do to work constraints. So I rectified that by switching my employment to the nonprofit sector. I can proudly say that I am an Operations Manager for a non-profit organization. The mission of my employer is to break the cycle of family violence and poverty. Which is a goal that I can fervently stand behind. This change in my employment has allowed me to mix my passion with my work. And I now organize projects, events, programs, and daily activities to benefit at risk families. All of these can range from fundraising events, resource events for families, adult education, financial coaching, providing food, and general encouragement to those that need it. Meaning that this change in my life, has allowed me to do something for others that was never done for me. And I think that is an immense blessing in my life.

I grew up in poverty, and experienced physical and emotional abuse through my early life. Which lead me to make many reckless, and juvenile mistakes. Eventually resulting in me becoming a father at the age of seventeen. That moment became a clarion wake up call to my life. I realized that I was headed down a dangerous path that I might not be able to come back from. More importantly, I recognize that I was not the kind of man that a child could be proud of at that point in my life. So I set out to change that, and I removed myself from the negative influences around me. Determinately setting out to create a career and a lifestyle that would be good for a child. Because I knew from the first time that I held my child, that I needed to do better, and be better. If not for my sake, for hers. Sadly, this revelation was not shared by the mother of my child. Leading to many arguments and difficult choices, culminating in a court battle. It was a immense challenge, and as a father, I had great adversity from the onset. But I eventually won full custody of my daughter. During those years of struggle, I have built a foundation of faith and dedication that did not use to exist. I have created a career helping helping at risk families. And I have purchased a home, and a vehicle, all while pursuing my college education. I have faced a great deal of challenges in my life, but I am so immensely proud to be a father. Because that has given me the inspiration for success. My daughter deserves a better life than I had, and I have applied every ounce of my being to providing that.

It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by 2022 according the the U.S. Census bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven experiencing food insecurity, meaning they already do not know when they will eat next. I work in the non-profit field helping at risk poverty, as I myself was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding there children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with there families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that there situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. Poverty does not have a universal cause, nor does it have a simple one solution cure. But we as a nation can fight poverty and food insecurity if we all turned towards it and acknowledged it for the problem it is. Which is why I am proud to be working at the Community Enrichment Center, an agency that helps at risk families with food, education, housing, financial coaching, and victims counseling. An agency that not only operates in the community, but partners with other organizations, like United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by 2022 according the the U.S. Census bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven experiencing food insecurity, meaning they already do not know when they will eat next. I work in the non-profit field helping at risk poverty, as I myself was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding there children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with there families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that there situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. Poverty does not have a universal cause, nor does it have a simple one solution cure. But we as a nation can fight poverty and food insecurity if we all turned towards it and acknowledged it for the problem it is. Which is why I am proud to be working at the Community Enrichment Center, an agency that helps at risk families with food, education, housing, financial coaching, and victims counseling. An agency that not only operates in the community, but partners with other organizations, like United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank. We can make a difference, and so can you

It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by 2022 according the the U.S. Census bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven experiencing food insecurity, meaning they already do not know when they will eat next. I work in the non-profit field helping at risk poverty, as I myself was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding there children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with there families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that there situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. Poverty does not have a universal cause, nor does it have a simple one solution cure. But we as a nation can fight poverty and food insecurity if we all turned towards it and acknowledged it for the problem it is. Which is why I am proud to be working at the Community Enrichment Center, an agency that helps at risk families with food, education, housing, financial coaching, and victims counseling. An agency that not only operates in the community, but partners with other organizations, like United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank. It is through advocacy, community, and restoring hope in our communities that we can change the world. And it is my dream that what I contribute to here, will allow me to make difference in someone else's life so that hopefully they do not need to experience what I did as a child.

As a child of poverty, one of my great passions is to help families in poverty or at risk of poverty. I used to do volunteer work for ministries and missions that focused on that goal. But I never got in the amount of time I wanted do to work constraints. So I rectified that by switching my employment to the nonprofit sector. I can proudly say that I am an Operations Manager for a non-profit organization. The mission of my employer is to break the cycle of family violence and poverty. Which is a goal that I can fervently stand behind. This change in my employment has allowed me to mix my passion with my work. And I now organize projects, events, programs, and daily activities to benefit at risk families. All of these can range from fundraising events, resource events for families, adult education, financial coaching, providing food, and general encouragement to those that need it. Meaning that this change in my life, has allowed me to do something for others that was never done for me. And I think that is an immense blessing in my life.

I have struggled with depression, and self-doubt for many years. Through those struggles I've learned to recognize things that are important to me, and activities that help me process my emotions. Which in turn has let me alleviate a great deal of personal stress in my life. One of the best activities for this, has been learning martial arts. Which provided a physical outlet for my frustrations and doubts. Along with honing my mind and focus so that I can be more productive with my time, and a better person in general. Making practice a week for routine for me, and a new passion. Coupled with martial arts, I have taken to writing novels, and have completed one book. This accomplishment has given me a profound sense of completion and a great deal of pride. Writing my first novel took me almost two years, but now that it's concluded I've shown myself that I can indeed do it. Which has given me a significant boost to my self-esteem. By giving myself these outlets, it has let me remove or great deal of strain in my life that I had not realized was always there. This helping me become a better father, a better partner, and a better man in general.

I am fortunate to say that I already have a legacy, and that is my daughter. My goal is to leave her with all the skills and opportunities that I did not have at her age. And provide her the means to seize her future and achieve more than I did. Nothing is more important to me than the future of my child, and that means that I need to be an inspiration to her. Which is why I push myself to excellence every day. It is also why I maintain a full-time job, full-time school with a 4.0 GPA, and always make time for her regardless of those two things. I did not grow up with the opportunities or the resources that most children did. And because of that I recognize how important it is to have the love, support, and the opportunity to pursue your dreams. Which is what I hope to provide for my child as she grows.

I am, as a matter of irony, living my vision of the future, and would love to show you how. As a child I was born into poverty and food insecurity. When I grew old enough to start taking control of my own life, I began volunteering at local organizations. Eventually this developed into one of my great passions as I helped families in poverty or at risk of poverty. But sadly I only got to volunteer on occasion since I was barely maintaining a living. So I never got in the amount of time I wanted do to work and financial constraints. Some years later, after I became a father, I was blessed with a fortuitous turn of events that opened my opportunities for jobs. So I decided to refocus my time and energy and set out to switch my employment to the nonprofit sector. I can now proudly say that I am a full time Operations Manager for a non-profit organization. The mission of my employer is to break the cycle of family violence and poverty by restoring hope, and sharing God's love. Though at the time I was not religious, I could not pass up the opportunity to directly work with and impact families. Especially with a company mission that struck so close to my childhood. This change in my employment has since allowed me to mix my passion with my work. I now organize major seasonal events and projects focused on providing food, resources, and encouragement to families. With the first primary events being a back to school event centered on helping low income children. And the secondary event being a Christmas resource and toy drive directly benefiting families of violence and poverty. I also contribute to a plethora of our companies daily activities that benefit at risk families. These programs range from fundraising events, resource events for families. A specialized adult education course with child care. Along with daily financial coaching, a full service food pantry, and violence counseling to those that need it. Meaning that this change in my life, has allowed me to do something for others that was never done for me. But more importantly, it has given me the chance to show my daughter the importance and impact of volunteering. She now often joins me after high school to help in the food pantry, and enjoys working with our at risk families. Which is giving her a growth and community mind set that so many teens seem to lack. Sadly, so much of today's youth don't understand the problem that poverty is in our country. Within the U.S. poverty is expected to climb to nearly thirteen percent by 2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Meaning nearly one in nine families in America will live in poverty, with one in seven already living with food insecurity. Poverty is a resounding and rampant problem, and we are a first world country. It is substantially worse in many other countries around the globe. Fortunately this is a problem that can be combated and reduced if more people where willing to donate a few hours a week to local charities that work to help. It can take so very little to make a difference in the lives of others, and if we teach that to our youth, they could change the world immensely. Which is why, as a father, I am living my vision. My education will help me narrow my scope, and better focus my energy on areas I can make the most impact. Every step forward lets me help more people.

I can think of no obstacle as terrifying or daunting to me as when my ex left with no word or warning, departed the state, and taking my daughter with her. Despite my ex and I having been broken up for some time, she had lived close by, and we had a civil fifty-fifty custody arrangement. But on a weekend I was supposed to pick up my child from here apartment, I arrived to find the lights off, home empty, and her car gone. At first I had panicked, fearing that something awful had befallen my child, her sister, and there mother. So I attempted to contact anyone we both knew in the hopes of finding something out. After several frantic phone calls, which felt like hours, I was able to get ahold of her my ex's sister, and found out that she had decided to leave state because her and her boyfriend had broken up. My ex had made the decision spontaneously, and her rationale was that because she was the mother, there was nothing I could do. To provide context, I had just bought a house, and a new car, which means I had effectively spent my entire savings to upgrade my life style and quality of home. She knew that I did not have the money to take her to court, and casually dismissed my arguments that she was not entitled to up and move with our daughter without my consent. After several minutes of arguing, she laughed at me and hung up. Leaving me with no location, no information, and only a phone number to try and contact my six year old child. I do not think that she expected me to willingly relinquish my car, and choose to walk to work for the next seven months. Scrapping together every cent I could, and saving them in the hopes of hiring a reputable lawyer to help me. Nor do I think that she believed I would pick up a second job, and work twelve to eighteen hour days to afford the lawyers fees and retainer. But I did, and I did it all in the hope of just trying to win our original fifty-fifty custody. What I did not expect, was to hire the lawyer, get my ex served, and force her to return to the state, only to find her addicted to drugs and doing nothing with her life. I had prayed for equal custody, and my determination and perseverance merited me full and primary custody of my child. Those events transpired eight years ago, and I now own a new car, and my daughter and I live happily in the house I had bought those years ago. It is now my mission to show her that she can be anything, do anything, so long as she is willing to put in the work and apply herself. So I do my part by being encouraging, and leading by example. Those months that I struggled, feared, and prayed, have given me an altered perspective on the world. The small arguments about work are not a big deal, nor are the stresses of school or home. Few things can compare to the nights I spent crying, terrified that I might not see my child again, how could they? I now juggle full time school, work, and parenthood without to much worry. I always have time for my daughter, and feel more blessed then ever to simply be alive.

Financial freedom is not just making enough to survive, its making enough to give back and help others. To often I see people focus only on themselves, and temporary things that don't benefit there future. I commonly refer to this as prioritizing wants over needs. Because as the name suggests, needs are things we need. Those investments can be difficult, and it can be stressful not going out and having fun when everyone else is doing the same. But if you the same money that you'd go out for dinner every night with, and instead put it in a savings account, you'll find yourself with a new car in a relatively short amount of time. The same principle can be applied to purchasing a home instead of renting, and other such long-term investments. This was a particularly difficult thing for me to do when I was young, but I have saved hundreds of dollars a month now by owning my own home, and owning my own vehicle. Which is the only way I'm able to afford school at this point. And once I'm done investing in school, I'll have everything in place to have a brighter, stronger, and more reliable future. As a child I was born into poverty and food insecurity. When I grew old enough to start taking control of my own life, I began volunteering at local organizations. Eventually this developed into one of my great passions as I helped families in poverty or at risk of poverty. But sadly I only got to volunteer on occasion since I was barely maintaining a living. So I never got in the amount of time I wanted do to work and financial constraints. Some years later, after I became a father, I was blessed with a fortuitous turn of events that expanded my opportunities for jobs. So I decided to refocus my time and energy and set out to switch my employment to the nonprofit sector. I can now proudly say that I am a full time Operations Manager for a non-profit organization. The mission of my employer is to break the cycle of family violence and poverty by restoring hope, and sharing God's love. Though at the time I was not religious, I could not pass up the opportunity to directly work with and impact families. Especially with a company mission that struck so close to my childhood. This change in my employment has since allowed me to mix my passion with my work. I now organize major seasonal events and projects focused on providing food, resources, and encouragement to families. With the first primary events being a back to school event centered on helping low income children. And the secondary event being a Christmas resource and toy drive directly benefiting families of violence and poverty. I also contribute to a plethora of our companies daily activities that benefit at risk families. These programs range from fundraising events, resource events for families. A specialized adult education course with child care. Along with daily financial coaching, a full service food pantry, and violence counseling to those that need it. Meaning that this change in my life, has allowed me to do something for others that was never done for me. All that is left is for me to finish my education, and negotiate a higher wage. Once I have done that, I will have both financial freedom, and the peace of mind that I am helping others. Because if I can raise one family up, and give them the opportunities I did not have, I have won.

I can think of no obstacle as terrifying or daunting to me as when my ex left with no word or warning, departed the state, and taking my daughter with her. Despite my ex and I having been broken up for some time, she had lived close by, and we had a civil fifty-fifty custody arrangement. But on a weekend I was supposed to pick up my child from here apartment, I arrived to find the lights off, home empty, and her car gone. At first I had panicked, fearing that something awful had befallen my child, her sister, and there mother. So I attempted to contact anyone we both knew in the hopes of finding something out. After several frantic phone calls, which felt like hours, I was able to get ahold of her my ex's sister, and found out that she had decided to leave state because her and her boyfriend had broken up. My ex had made the decision spontaneously, and her rationale was that because she was the mother, there was nothing I could do. To provide context, I had just bought a house, and a new car, which means I had effectively spent my entire savings to upgrade my life style and quality of home. She knew that I did not have the money to take her to court, and casually dismissed my arguments that she was not entitled to up and move with our daughter without my consent. After several minutes of arguing, she laughed at me and hung up. Leaving me with no location, no information, and only a phone number to try and contact my six year old child. I do not think that she expected me to willingly relinquish my car, and choose to walk to work for the next seven months. Scrapping together every cent I could, and saving them in the hopes of hiring a reputable lawyer to help me. Nor do I think that she believed I would pick up a second job, and work twelve to eighteen hour days to afford the lawyers fees and retainer. But I did, and I did it all in the hope of just trying to win our original fifty-fifty custody. What I did not expect, was to hire the lawyer, get my ex served, and force her to return to the state, only to find her addicted to drugs and doing nothing with her life. I had prayed for equal custody, and my determination and perseverance merited me full and primary custody of my child. Those events transpired eight years ago, and I now own a new car, and my daughter and I live happily in the house I had bought those years ago. It is now my mission to show her that she can be anything, do anything, so long as she is willing to put in the work and apply herself. So I do my part by being encouraging, and leading by example. I work and go to school full time, and always have time for my teenage daughter. We go to movies, and enjoy many of the same hobbies now. I am also a community advocate, and am an Operations Manager at a not-for-profit organization that helps families in need. Where I organize daily operations, and plan large yearly event that help victims of poverty and family violence. Everyday I make it my mission to lead by example, because it is my hope my daughter will make better choice then I did. And that she will never face the hardships I did growing up.

It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by 2022 according the the U.S. Census bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven already experiencing food insecurity, meaning those families do not know when they will eat next. I work in the non-profit field helping at risk poverty, as I myself was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding there children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with there families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that there situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. My employment has since allowed me to mix my passion with my work. I now organize major seasonal events and projects focused on providing food, resources, and encouragement to families. With the first primary events being a back to school event centered on helping low income children. And the secondary event being a Christmas resource and toy drive directly benefiting families of violence and poverty. I also contribute to a plethora of our companies daily activities that benefit at risk families. These programs range from fundraising events, resource events for families. A specialized adult education course with child care. Along with daily financial coaching, a full service food pantry, and violence counseling to those that need it. Meaning that this change in my life, has allowed me to do something for others that was never done for me. But more importantly, it has given me the chance to show my daughter the importance and impact of volunteering. She now often joins me after highschool to help in the food pantry, and enjoys working with our at risk families. Which giving her a growth and community mind set that so many teens seem to lack. Sadly, poverty does not have a universal cause, nor does it have a simple one solution cure. But we as a nation can fight poverty and food insecurity if we where just more willing to make it a priority. But so many of the companies and entrepreneurs that could make innovative and dramatic differences in this are more focused on profit margins. Like any industry or market, the social services sector needs new innovations, and new patrons. If new, more efficient process could be made, or more marketing applied to awareness off the problem. It would be possible to substantially reduce the poverty in our local communities. I feel that stagnation has permeated the sector, with many of the non profit companies trying maintain what they can do while donors slowly dry up. But because a non profit, by definition, is not supposed to be profitable, few people are willing to make major investments in them. There are companies that invest in philanthropy, but mainly as a tax incentives, not as a passion or necessity. If Mechanism is able to reexamine these issues and find a new strategic approach that could draw wider support. It would literally be a game changing event for millions of families.

As a child I was born into poverty and food insecurity. When I grew old enough to start taking control of my own life, I began volunteering at local organizations. Eventually this developed into one of my great passions as I helped families in poverty or at risk of poverty. But sadly I only got to volunteer on occasion since I was barely maintaining a living. So I never got in the amount of time I wanted do to work and financial constraints. Some years later, after I became a father, I was blessed with a fortuitous turn of events that opened my opportunities for jobs. So I decided to refocus my time and energy and set out to switch my employment to the nonprofit sector. I can now proudly say that I am a full time Operations Manager for a non-profit organization. The mission of my employer is to break the cycle of family violence and poverty by restoring hope, and sharing God's love. Though at the time I was not religious, I could not pass up the opportunity to directly work with and impact families. Especially with a company mission that struck so close to my childhood. This change in my employment has since allowed me to mix my passion with my work. I now organize major seasonal events and projects focused on providing food, resources, and encouragement to families. With the first primary events being a back to school event centered on helping low income children. And the secondary event being a Christmas resource and toy drive directly benefiting families of violence and poverty. I also contribute to a plethora of our companies daily activities that benefit at risk families. These programs range from fundraising events, resource events for families. A specialized adult education course with child care. Along with daily financial coaching, a full service food pantry, and violence counseling to those that need it. Meaning that this change in my life, has allowed me to do something for others that was never done for me. But more importantly, it has given me the chance to show my daughter the importance and impact of volunteering. She now often joins me after highschool to help in the food pantry, and enjoys working with our at risk families. Which giving her a growth and community mind set that so many teens seem to lack. Sadly, so much of today's youth don't understand the problem that poverty is in our country. Withing the U.S. poverty is expected to climb to nearly thirteen percent by 2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Meaning nearly one in nine families in America will live in poverty, with one in seven already living with food insecurity. Poverty is a resounding and rampant problem, and we are a first world country. It is substantially worse in many other countries around the globe. Fortunately this is a problem that can be combated and reduced if more people where willing to donate a few hours a week to local charities that work to help. It can take so very little to make a difference in the lives of others, and if we teach that to our youth, they could change the world immensely.

I think the most simple, and significant change that could cause dramatic improvement to all demographics for education is simple. It would be a reduction in tuition costs. Making it so that those of all incomes, and all social classes could attend college. An example of this disparity can be seen with our foreign exchange students, who have to pay five times the amount for college that I do. Even locally, the staggering cost of Universities is simply unattainable for people that don't have double income parents that already have a higher education. Even through scholarships, there is not a means to mitigate the cost for the average American. most scholarships only range in the $500 to $5,000 category. Yet I have seen it cost over $25,000 a year for a decent University. And that's after receiving aid from the Federal Pell Grant. As a prime example, I am a 30 year old male, who owns his own home, and his own vehicle. I work full-time, and I have a teenage daughter, and I make over $20 an hour. Yet I cannot afford to attend school without assistance. Regardless of the fact that I have minimized all of my expenses, and I have no other outstanding loans other than a mortgage. I cannot afford to attend a University without significant financial aid unless I chose not to eat for two years. It simply is not practical, or feasible, to expect people in adverse and diverse situations to be able to move beyond those restrictions. Especially if we cannot provide the means to fair education for people to move beyond them. Making scholarships beyond essential at this point for those of low-income just to attend community college. To compound that, these examples are only based on a standard university, and not an ivy league university. Where it would simply be impossible for me to attend. Just as it would be impossible for the vast majority of Americans. Which is what gives those schools their prestige, not from the advanced curriculum, but from the far advanced tuition.

There's particular irony to working in the not-for-profit sector, specifically helping families in need during the pandemic. Which was that I had guaranteed employment during a very unsure point in our country. Then when the stimulus checks came out, it allowed me to catch up on bills, and gave me the money I needed to start college. Meaning without the pandemic, I would not have been able to start pursuing a higher education, or even be caught up on bills. Just achieving half of my Associates Degree has allowed me to move up in my current company, and receive a much better wage. Coupled with that, I can now have a secure and foreseeable improvement once I get my Bachelors. Or simply put, I have a guaranteed position in top management as soon as I have my bachelor's. Without the pandemic I would still be struggling at low management and low wage. So my heart goes out for those that did encounter great hardship, but I can't help but be thankful for the opportunities it's provided me and my family.

In the past I suffered from chronic depression, insomnia, and bad anxiety attacks. And through a combination of extensive counseling, finding good creative releases for stress, and positive influences in my life, I've managed to move past most of that. Like most people that have suffered from depression, it's not something that you ever seem to fully get away from. Rather it seems to resurface randomly, and always that inconvenient times. But I don't view this as a negative thing anymore, because it's given me a different perspective on the world for the challenges I've had to overcome. I know that I cannot simply grind away at a job and hope that eventually I'll make enough money to be happy. I know that I cannot ignore my problems and hope that eventually they will fix themselves. Rather I have learned that I have to rise above them, and sometimes that means getting help, sometimes that means being persistent and thoughtful. But it always means acknowledging that there's a problem, that way it can be worked through. Dispute the negative things depression has done to me, especially when I've been ridiculed for it. It has shown me that I can do anything given the right motivation. That I don't need to let anything, including myself hold me back. Becuase at the end of the day, I am my own personal, greatest critique, and my own positive driving force. With that perspective, I plan to become a full-time writer. Because it was literature that helped me move beyond a great deal of my problems. Specifically sci-fi and fantasy novels, where heroes could go through extraordinary situations and still come out on top. I hope to one day properly articulate the struggles that I feel on the inside, and translate them to a character that people can relate to on paper. Some people might call that selfish, but truthfully, authors provided me just as much therapy as my counselors did. I don't say that to detract from modern therapy. There have been so many recent developments in the mental health field, that I've strongly debated going back for more help since things have changed substantially from when I was a teenager. But I do know that having that outlet gave me an inspiration that did not exist in my life. And if I could do that for any one person while pursuing something that I'm passionate about, it would mean the world to me. It won't be a simple undertaking I know, but I do know that it is possible for me to do. I've gone from living in poverty and depression, to becoming a successful and well-established adult. Then to becoming a community advocate, and shifting my career to helping families in need and families at risk. Each transition showing me not just what I can do, but that what I do can make a difference. Unfortunately, this is also something I have to remind myself of every day. I have to tell myself that things are better, and that things will continue to get better. Providing for myself that positive reinforcement can sometimes feel like the only thing that stops me from slipping back down that slide into a much darker place. But if I've overcome it in the past, I know I can do so in the future.

Being Texan means being persistent, stable, honest, and traditional. It means getting up every morning to do your fair share, and making sure your neighbor is okay if you haven't seen him in a while. That means community, respect, and diligence. We here in Texas get the rare privilege of being part of something bigger. Just as each state is a part of the union, we get to be prideful in being a part of the state. We are self-sufficient, dedicated, and willing to get the job done. Even when it's messy, or out of hand, you can count on us to be there. That means being Texan isn't easy, cuz there's a lot of good folks out there that don't understand what it means to be a good neighbor. Even here in Texas we can see that sometimes, it's on us to be role models and remind them of what we should be. It's not just about being the best, it's about lifting everyone up to be the best.

I would say my current favorite scientific discovery is that black holes release matter at random intervals. That is somewhat terrifying, and utterly awe-inspiring when we consider the physics and properties of a black hole. Both of which we can't actually explain. A black hole, in the simplest terms, is a force of unimaginable gravitation. Which could literally condense our entire planet into an atom size spec. Making them huge roaming anomalies, that we can only barely comprehend or imagine. Yet somehow through a combination of innovation, experimentation, and determination we have managed to gather data on these phenomenal natural events. Using new scientific data and analytically equipment, they've recorded matter escaping a black holes event horizon. That is simply extraordinary considering even the light can't escape a black hole. How can we even truly comprehend that. A force of nature so great that light, air, and everything that we know to exist should not be able to get away from it. A force that can condense worlds like someone stepping on an empty beer can. It is truly, utterly, and horrifyingly fascinating.

Being independent in my 30's means being financially independent. It means having the ability in the means to support myself and my family. And it's a central piece of myself esteem and sense of self worth. The older I get, the less I've put value on many things in society. I used to put a great deal of emphasis on other people's opinions, or popularity, or social standing. But as I've gotten older, what matters most to me is the ability to support myself, my family, and my hobbies. And having that financial security can take a great deal of stress off of me. I know because when I don't have it, it can feel like the world is cracking around me. It is sad to say, but the old proverbial message that, "money makes the world go round" seems to be more and more apt the older I get. I've also found that it doesn't take a lot of money to be independent or happy. But it takes enough to have a small savings account every month, and to make sure all your bills are covered. And that way you can always enjoy your hobbies and you don't feel like you're always grinding your life away. A frustration that much of the younger generation feels now with the rate of inflation.

Having a positive and proactive impact on the environment is a relatively simple endeavor. Recycle, it is literally as simple as recycling. Of course there are many things people can do, even if they don't have the funds to go out and buy something as extravagant as a tesla. Many people can carpool, and recycle their organic waste. For instance egg shells and banana peels make excellent fertilizer for home gardens. And getting a ride with a group to work and back every day can significantly reduce your carbon emissions. I try to do both of those, but you can always take it a step further. You can recycle your aluminum, your plastic, and your other waste materials. You can always look to carpool to more areas, or ride your bike. The exercise from the cardiovascular workout of writing a bike to and fro from a location so good for you. We, as a society don't have to go to extremes to make a difference. If everyone tried to make a difference, it would happen almost without us realizing what we did.

Do not go gentle into that good night!" - Dylan Thomas This powerful sentence was written by poet Dylan Thomas, and he uses it in verse when pleading for his father to not give up on life. It is eloquent, compelling, and resonates with anyone who reads it. It is, simply put, a visceral call to all those that read it to not lay down, not give up, and not let themselves go gently into that good night. As a single father who works full time, attends full time school, and supports his own household, I can feel this message in the core of my being. My difficulties and plights are the same as millions of Americans, and it is for that reason that we need to remember that its ok to fight for our beliefs. Its ok to strive, pursue, and try to make our lives and with world around us better. But most of all, its ok to fail, as long as you do not give up. Please, do not go gentle into that good night.

Generosity means giving somthing up to help others, and it means making a difference in the life of someone you may not know. It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by 2022 according the the U.S. Census bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven experiencing food insecurity, meaning they already do not know when they will eat next. I work in the non-profit field helping at risk poverty, as I myself was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding there children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with there families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that there situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. Poverty does not have a universal cause, nor does it have a simple one solution cure. But we as a nation can fight poverty and food insecurity if we all turned towards it and acknowledged it for the problem it is. something as simple as volunteering 4 hours week could impact a plethora of families, and change there lives for the better. Which is why I am proud to be working at the Community Enrichment Center, an agency that helps at risk families with food, education, housing, financial coaching, and victims counseling. It is through advocacy, community, and restoring hope in our communities that we can change the world. It does not need to mean spending money, it just means having a heart for helping.

I can say that being a parent brings an indescribable amount of joy to my life. I do not think there are many things more rewarding then being a parent. No matter the ups and downs, the drama or frustration, there is always a sense of pride and joy in my family and my child. She is my motivation, and being a father has inspired me to be a version of myself that I never thought was possible in the past. My child was the restoration of hope in my life, and the reason I moved beyond poverty and bad decisions to become the man I am now. That inspiration has in turn lead me to start expanding my career options, and I am now seriously considering becoming and Indie author. Reading and writing have always been passions of mine, but now it looks like they may become more then hobbies. That revelation has opened my eyes to a new world of possibility and opportunity that I had never considered. It makes my heart swell that I might do something I love as a career in the near future. And without my daughter, I could not have imagined that I would be on the course I am now in life.

There are so many moments that helped to define who I am, but the single moment that altered the course of my life was when I became a father. In that moment, I knew that I wanted to be the best parent possible. I strive every day to be the best role model, father, and friend I can be for my teenage daughter. That means that I push myself to excellence so that I can show her that she can do the same. Currently I work full time in the not for profit field, helping families at risk. Which helps show her that giving back can be more than just a courtesy, it can be a career where you can make a difference in people's lives. It's my hope that she'll take the lessons from my career and learn to apply them in her daily life. And that helps to keep me pushing to be a better and kinder person. With that I attend school full time, and maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA. This shows her that no matter what the excuses she might have, excellence is a matter of determination. I want my daughter to do better in school than I did since I was a poor academic student. Which means showing her that if you put in the effort and the study, her grades are based off how much you want to work for it. Everything I do stems from wanting to be the best parent I can be. To give her a life that I never had, and all the opportunities I missed out on.

I work as an Operations Manager for a not-for-profit company, and one of our primary programs is senior community aid event. We host a senior get together every wednesday, where seniors come together for devotional time, and community aid. During that time we do fun projects, and provide resources and food to those seniors in attendance. This is a program that's particularly close to my heart as there are so many seniors that live isolated inside the community. Many times these seniors fall into a routine of not going out and having minimal social contact. Which in turn results in depression, and lethargy. By hosting a community program where they get to come out and join together, we help encourage them to lead better and more active lives. It's also surprising how many of the seniors in our population go through food insecurity. And the opportunity to alleviate some of those concerns that they struggle with is a great ministry.

If you buy everything you want, you'll be left with nothing that you need. Too often we focus on the things that we think will give us joy, and we don't focus on the things that will bring us success. This is especially true when it comes to our finances. Too often I see young people buying things that are very temporary in the hopes that it will bring them a great deal of joy. But more often than not they end up struggling month to month with very little to show for it. Which is why it's so important to invest in things that have long-term benefits, and things that you know you will need. Those investments can be difficult, and it can be stressful not going out and having fun when everyone else is doing the same. But if you take that same money that you'd go out for dinner every night with, and instead put it in a savings account, you'll find yourself with a new car and a short amount of time. The same principle can be applied to purchasing a home instead of renting, and other such long-term investments. This was a particularly difficult thing for me to do when I was young, but I save many hundreds of dollars a month now by owning my own home, and owning my own vehicle. Which is the only way I'm able to afford school at this point. And once I'm done investing in school, I'll have everything in place to have a brighter, stronger, and more reliable future.

Friendship is more than simply coming together with mutual interests. It is sharing a bond where you can rely on another individual through bad and good ordeals. Friends are a support network that lift us up and encourages to reach better heights than we can do alone. Making friendship for me, a source of strength and a pillar of my livelihood. Without good solid friends as a foundation in your life it's very hard to excel. Friends can be there when we beat ourselves up, or when life gets us down, and they can raise us back up to be a better version of ourselves. Meaning that without those close ties and that support network, it would be difficult if not impossible and most certainly improbable to reach your full potential. Which is why the friends in my life are so dearly valued, and I can never thank them enough for all the support they've given me.

Although there are many amazing minds and individuals throughout history. I think one that I enjoy most is also a cautionary tale, and that is Benedict Arnold. A man that is nearly as responsible for America winning the Revolution as George Washington. And a man that betrayed his country for selfish reasons after a record of extraordinary excellence. Benedict Arnold was an extraordinary military leader that fought under several generals in the American Revolution. He was renowned for his bold and decisive strategies, and often ignoring orders that he felt were idiotic. It was his direct actions that caused the French to side with America during the Revolution. Despite the fact that other generals took credit for his deeds. It would ultimately be others taking the credit for his actions, and his own selfishness that caused him to defect to the English. And because of his arrogance and bullheadedness, he was unable to work cohesively with the English military generals. When others refused to listen to him because of his abrasive personality, he took a boat back to England to implore the hierarchy there to implement his strategies. It would be during his voyage to England that America would win the revolution, and ironically it would be due to many of his major contributions. Benedict Arnold was a traitor, and a war hero. He is a symbol of the best and worst that a man can aspire to be all at once.

My favorite piece of art is more of an art form. I am a great admire of the theater, and dance especially. I find there are few forms of artist as expressive, or as deeply moving as dance and theater. Both of dance and theater inspire all the emotional ranges in their audience, from joy, to rage, to sadness, to thoughtfulness. It is hard to put into words of the depth of a great performance, and profound impact it can have on those that watch it. Which can in turn inspire others to become great artists. And it's for that inspiration that I adore dance and theater so greatly. Few things will cause the imagination to spark or the mind to flow like seeing that same spark of creativity in others. The ability to perceive, understand, interpret, and then better express yourself and your own art through others is an amazing gift that can literally be shared with the world.

I am fortunate to say that I already have a legacy, and that is my daughter. My goal is to leave her with all the skills and opportunities that I did not have at her age. And provide her the means to seize her future and achieve more than I did. Nothing is more important to me than the future of my child, and that means that I need to be an inspiration to her. Which is why I push myself to excellence every day. It is also why I maintain a full-time job, full-time school with a 4.0 GPA, and always make time for her regardless of those two things. I did not grow up with the opportunities or the resources that most children did. And because of that I recognize how important it is to have the love, support, and the opportunity to pursue your dreams. Which is what I hope to provide for my child as she grows.

There are several factors that contribute to my daily motivation, but at the core of each of them is my desire to be the best parent possible. I strive every day to be the best role model, parent, and friend I can be for my teenage daughter. That means that I push myself to excellence so that I can show her that she can do the same. Currently I work full time in the not for profit field, helping families at risk. This helps show her that giving back can be more than just a courtesy, it can be a career where you can make a difference in people's lives. It's my hope that she'll take the lessons from my career and learn to apply them in her daily life. And that helps to keep me pushing to be a better and kinder person. With that I attend school full time, and maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA. This shows her that no matter what the excuses she might have, excellence is a matter of determination. I want my daughter to do better in school than I did since I was a poor academic student. Which means showing her that if you put in the effort and the study, her grades are based off how much you want to work for it. Everything I do stems from wanting to be the best parent I can be. And I'm fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter helps to keep me pushing myself.

I grew up in poverty, and experienced physical and emotional abuse through my early life. Which lead me to make many reckless, and juvenile mistakes. Eventually resulting in me becoming a father at the age of seventeen. That moment became a clarion wake up call to my life. I realized that I was headed down a dangerous path that I might not be able to come back from. More importantly, I recognize that I was not the kind of man that a child could be proud of at that point in my life. So I set out to change that, and I removed myself from the negative influences around me. Determinately setting out to create a career and a lifestyle that would be good for a child. Because I knew from the first time that I held my child, that I needed to do better, and be better. If not for my sake, for hers. Sadly, this revelation was not shared by the mother of my child. Leading to many arguments and difficult choices, culminating in a court battle. It was a immense challenge, and as a father, I had great adversity from the onset. But I eventually won full custody of my daughter. During those years of struggle, I have built a foundation of faith and dedication that did not use to exist. I have created a career helping helping at risk families. And I have purchased a home, and a vehicle, all while pursuing my college education. I have faced a great deal of challenges in my life, but I am so immensely proud to be a father. Because that has given me the inspiration for success. My daughter deserves a better life than I had, and I have applied every ounce of my being to providing that.

I have struggled with depression, and self-doubt for many years. Through those struggles I've learned to recognize things that are important to me, and activities that help me process my emotions. Which in turn has let me alleviate a great deal of personal stress in my life. One of the best activities for this, has been learning martial arts. Which provided a physical outlet for my frustrations and doubts. Along with honing my mind and focus so that I can be more productive with my time, and a better person in general. Making practice a week for routine for me, and a new passion. Coupled with martial arts, I have taken to writing novels, and have completed one book. This accomplishment has given me a profound sense of completion and a great deal of pride. Writing my first novel took me almost two years, but now that it's concluded I've shown myself that I can indeed do it. Which has given me a significant boost to my self-esteem. By giving myself these outlets, it has let me remove or great deal of strain in my life that I had not realized was always there. This helping me become a better father, a better partner, and a better man in general.

I am a deeply committed, and proactive individual in my local community. I have a sincere passion for helping others, and that in turn helps me. I did not receive help as a youth, and providing encouragement and resources to others helps me cope with my past. My passion for working inside my local community helps provide me peace of mind. It also allows me to stay focused on what's important to me, like family, and my personal mental health. Which in turns let's me be a better father, and a better partner. This perspective also helps me be a better man, and a better role model in general. It provides for me a reason to love my job, and actively want to go to it every morning. Which in turn helps me better support my family. All of which, I believe has made me a more complete person. Filling a void in my life that I had not realized was there until I started helping others.

My perfect day is envisioned by waking up with a cup of coffee after a long nights sleep. Then after finishing my coffee I would go to my desk and start writing for 2 to 4 hours on my next book. Which would be one in a great many of novels that I'd completed. When I had finished writing I would then go to martial arts practice. After training, I would meet with my wife and we would go to lunch. During which you would tell me about her day working with children since she aspires to be a teacher. After lunch was concluded, I would head home and review our summer travel plans. Budgeting where we could travel, and determining whether it would be local, or abroad. Then I would check and see if any family would be able to join us, or if we could visit some of our family as we traveled. With all of that done, I would call to check in on my daughter who would be in college. And see how she was doing, and if she would be home for the holidays. With that completed, I would join my wife for dinner and wine in the home that we bought together. Secure in the knowledge that we had raised a good family, and we're pursuing things that we were passionate about. All while having careers that inspired us, and made us happy.

if you want to succeed, focus on needs over wants. If we focus on what we need to do, we will eventually have more money to do what we want in the future. Unfortunately the inverse is not true, and too many people always buy what they want. which can place them in difficult situations later on when emergencies come up, or new needs arise. By focusing on needs, I have managed to purchase a home, and a vehicle that I own. It has allowed me to provide a decent life for my child on a single income single parents wage. And it has allowed me to keep a small amount of money in my savings, which I have now put towards my education. That does not mean it's been easy, as I haven't been able to go out and do many of the things that other young adults got to do. But in retrospect many of my friends that went out and had a great deal of fun, are much further behind me in financial acquisitions. With very few of them owning their own home. If you know what you need, and you work towards those goals, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of them for years after. Wants can be very temporary, regardless of how much fun they are. So understanding the difference can mean financial security for you and your family in the future.

As a child of poverty, one of my great passions is to help families in poverty or at risk of poverty. I used to do volunteer work for ministries and missions that focused on that goal. But I never got in the amount of time I wanted do to work constraints. So I rectified that by switching my employment to the nonprofit sector. I can proudly say that I am an Operations Manager for a non-profit organization. The mission of my employer is to break the cycle of family violence and poverty. Which is a goal that I can fervently stand behind. This change in my employment has allowed me to mix my passion with my work. And I now organize projects, events, programs, and daily activities to benefit at risk families. All of these can range from fundraising events, resource events for families, adult education, financial coaching, providing food, and general encouragement to those that need it. Meaning that this change in my life, has allowed me to do something for others that was never done for me. And I think that is an immense blessing in my life.

Among my many skills, project management is my premier skill. I am very good at organizing, planning, and executing a project or goal. This can be seen in how I juggle my life as a full-time father, full-time employee and operations manager, and full-time student. I have made sure to always have time for my teenage daughter, and always have at least a day a week for mental health. Though it's not easy, I rise to the challenge successfully. And every time I push myself, I find new ways to help build on that skill and on me. Every new project, and every new challenge, is just a new opportunity for success. Currently, I am organizing a Christmas event for over 900 families in need, will planning my own families christmas. With that I am calculating in the time that I need to complete this semester of school by December. Making this the fastest paced portion of the year for me. Which is exciting, as it means I get to help others, and so far I've managed to keep time for my most important part of my life, family.

The goal to keeping a growth mindset is to self aware. If you know your fualts, and you know your strengths, then you can focus your energy on what you need to be doing. Rather then spending most your time focused on what you want to be doing. A growth mindset comes from living a happy and healthy life. The best way to do this is to understand where your stress factors are in life, and to minimize them. Once you have minimized your stress, understand your cooping mechanisms for venting and dealing with stress. I personally love martial arts, and will rotate between the gym and martial arts as ways for me to vent my stress while also maintaining a healthy body. This keeps my mind sharp and my anxiety low, which in turn allows me to excel in other areas of my life, like academics. Once you have freed your mind from most of your physical burdens and stress, I think it is important to hone and sharpen your intellect. School, work, and finding stimulating and exciting challenges are essential for self growth. This is how I continually grow as a person, and how I hope to live a longer, and more fulfilling life.

A healthy long life comes comes from living a happy and healthy life. The best way to do this is to understand where your stress factors are in life, and to minimize them. Once you have minimized your stress, understand your cooping mechanisms for venting and dealing with stress. I personally love martial arts, and will rotate between the gym and martial arts as ways for me to vent my stress while also maintaining a healthy body. This keeps my mind sharp and my anxiety low, which in turn allows me to excel in other areas of my life, like academics. Once you have freed your mind from most of your physical burdens and stress, I think it is important to hone and sharpen your intellect. School, work, and finding stimulating and exciting challenges are essential for self growth. This is how I continually grow as a person, and how I hope to live a longer, and more fulfilling life.

Have multiple investment accounts. I cannot stress this enough, having multiple accounts and a diverse investment portfolio helps mitigate loss. More importantly, it encourages financial growth. I have a 401K company retirement account, which I invest 4% of my checks into every pay period. But I also have a ROTH IRA that I invest another 4% into every month since when I retire, the money I pull from it will be tax free. This gives me two accounts, and in a pinch I can borrow against my 401k for emergencies. Coupled with this I have a investment portfolio for Crypto and Stock options. These options I rotate, and will usually only invest in stocks that yield dividends. Where as my Crypto, I will buy low, or when a stock get popular, then sell after a few months when the hype is wearing off. I did this with Doge, and it got me out of debt and allowed me to start attending collage. Invest smart, spread your investments out, and be ok with waiting. Those are the keys to financial growth.

I have read rather prolifically, and among the many books and many authors, there is one that shines above the others for me. Author Brandon Sanderson has delicately and intricately crafted a tale of romance, intrigue, faith, hope, despair, rage, and acceptance in his novel, the Way of Kings. The first book in his epic saga, the Storm Light Achieves. The Way of Kings is a story where the reader gets to see the highest and most noble aspects of humanity shine in daring deed. Where people rise to insurmountable challenges, placing everything on the line. But that is not what makes this book great, or even good. Rather it is how human the characters are, how fallible they are in there decisions and there efforts. We as readers get to watch these men and woman falter, deceive, lie, and sometimes, ultimately fail. This saga shows us the very best of what people can become, and in some instance, the very worst. For those reasons alone I would cherish this novel, but each setting, theme, tone, and environment builds on this. All of these story aspects are woven together seamlessly into an immersive world that pulls you in, and keeps you there through hundreds of pages. Leaving you on the last page with only one overwhelming sense of wanting more when the story finishes. This book shows you what you can be, how our choice affect us and those around us, and we as people, are capable of anything. From cruelty to nobility, so long as we are willing to live with the consequences of our actions.

I have read rather prolifically, and among the many books and many authors, there is one that shines above the others for me. Author Brandon Sanderson has delicately and intricately crafted a tale of romance, intrigue, faith, hope, despair, rage, and acceptance in his novel, the Way of Kings. The first book in his epic saga, the Storm Light Achieves. The Way of Kings is a story where the reader gets to see the highest and most noble aspects of humanity shine in daring deed. Where people rise to insurmountable challenges, placing everything on the line. But that is not what makes this book great, or even good. Rather it is how human the characters are, how fallible they are in there decisions and there efforts. We as readers get to watch these men and woman falter, deceive, lie, and sometimes, ultimately fail. This saga shows us the very best of what people can become, and in some instance, the very worst. For those reasons alone I would cherish this novel, but each setting, theme, tone, and environment builds on this. All of these story aspects are woven together seamlessly into an immersive world that pulls you in, and keeps you there through hundreds of pages. Leaving you on the last page with only one overwhelming sense of want more when the story finishes.

Patience is similar to wisdom, you cannot understand it until you attain it. The concept is simple, if you wait, you will learn. But the practice can be frustrating, difficult, emotionally exhausting, and anxiety inducing. Learning to be patient means learning a form of master over yourself, and learning to accept when you cannot change a situation. We cannot always "make" something happen, regardless of our drive, ability, intelligence, or will. Which is why we need patience. Through learning when to act, and when to wait, we can become better stewards of our own mental well being. Which in turn allows us to release much of the unhealthy emotions that come with fighting against time. I think one of the best examples of this comes from the serenity prayer, which encourages emotional growth in people. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." In this prayer, serenity is almost synonymous with patience, and these are words to live by.

Acceptance is perhaps one of the most difficult things to learn. We as individuals learn to deal with many situations, but not always to accept them. It was not until I realized the difference that I found a measure of peace in my life, and in turn was able to live a better and more fulfilling life. I had to learn to accept my past, my failures, my hardships, and my negative attitude. Not to just deal with it, but to recognize it, acknowledge it, and rise above it. And when I did so, I became a version of me that I did not think was possible. Acceptance has let me become a role model for my child, to rise above and beyond where I began in life, and where I was told I would stay. I have made peace with that, and now I look forward to a future of endless possibilities.

I can say that there are three things that bring a indescribable amount of joy to my life. The first is my daughter, whom I strive to be the best role model, parent, and friend to that I can be. The second is reading, where I get the opportunity to explore new worlds of creative thought and imagination. Lastly, I find a great amount of peace and pride in writing, where I get to express my own creativity and imagination. I do not think there are many things more rewarding then being a parent. No matter the ups and downs, the drama or frustration, there is always a sense of pride and joy in my family and my child. She is my motivation, and being a father has inspired me to be a version of myself that I never though was possible in the past. That inspiration has in turn lead me to start expanding my career options, and I am no seriously considering becoming and Indie author. Reading and writing have always been passions of mine, but now it looks like they may become more then hobbies. That revelation has opened my eyes to a new world of possibility and opportunity that I had never considered.It makes my heart swell that I might do something I love as a career in the near future.

It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by 2022 according the the U.S. Census bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven experiencing food insecurity, meaning they already do not know when they will eat next. I work in the non-profit field helping at risk poverty, as I myself was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding there children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with there families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that there situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. Poverty does not have a universal cause, nor does it have a simple one solution cure. But we as a nation can fight poverty and food insecurity if we all turned towards it and acknowledged it for the problem it is. Which is why I am proud to be working at the Community Enrichment Center, an agency that helps at risk families with food, education, housing, financial coaching, and victims counseling. An agency that not only operates in the community, but partners with other organizations, like United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank. We can make a difference, and so can you

It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by 2022 according the the U.S. Census bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven experiencing food insecurity, meaning they already do not know when they will eat next. I work in the non-profit field helping at risk poverty, as I myself was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding there children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with there families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that there situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. Poverty does not have a universal cause, nor does it have a simple one solution cure. But we as a nation can fight poverty and food insecurity if we all turned towards it and acknowledged it for the problem it is. Which is why I am proud to be working at the Community Enrichment Center, an agency that helps at risk families with food, education, housing, financial coaching, and victims counseling. An agency that not only operates in the community, but partners with other organizations, like United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank. We can make a difference, and by volunteering, so can you!

I have learned over many hardship and tribulations that I am a singularly driven individual. My determination, and my patience are traits that have allowed me to excel beyond what I had though was possible. In turn this has let me be the best role model I can be for my daughters. I am first and foremost a parent, and my heart and soul go into providing for my daughter. I feel there is no greater calling in my life then that of being a father. It is my singular goal to teach my teenage daughter to avoid the mistakes of my past, and to raise her to be strong, independent, courteous, and intelligent. I stay true to this by simply being the best me possible, so that I can be the best remodel possible. I work hard, study hard, push myself hard, and always remain polite, respectful, and smiling. That's how I want my daughter to remember me, as driven, motivated, and loving. Because there is no greater gift I can leave the world, and no deed I will ever be as proud of, as my daughter. If I can be the best me, it will show her that anything is possible. I do not let work, school, or stress stop me from being there, being supportive, or spending time with her.

It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by 2022 according the the U.S. Census bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven experiencing food insecurity, meaning they already do not know when they will eat next. I work in the non-profit field helping at risk poverty, as I myself was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding there children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with there families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that there situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. Poverty does not have a universal cause, nor does it have a simple one solution cure. But we as a nation can fight poverty and food insecurity if we all turned towards it and acknowledged it for the problem it is. Which is why I am proud to be working at the Community Enrichment Center, an agency that helps at risk families with food, education, housing, financial coaching, and victims counseling. An agency that not only operates in the community, but partners with other organizations, like United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank. It is through advocacy, community, and restoring hope in our communities that we can change the world. And it is my dream that what I contribute to here, will allow me to make difference in someone else's life so that hopefully they do not need to experience what I did as a child.

Due to my childhood and upbringing, I would stand to restore hope in our communities by fighting poverty. Poverty is not a simple problem, and does not have one root cause, nor does it have one simple symptom. Poverty can destroy a families peace, unity, hope, moral, and spirit, along with physical aspects that are inherent to it. Poverty is not as easy as owing money, it is a compounding dilemma that proliferates because of the emotional and mental impact it can have on communities. Here in the U.S. we expect the population 13% of the population to be below the poverty level by 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That means that roughly one out of nine individuals you see in the store may be forced to choose between feeding there family, and paying there bills. We as a world leader can fight poverty by focusing on education, low income community development, and providing opportunities to our youth. As an influential figure I would make it my mission to advocate for those communities and the youth of our country. No one needs to grow up wondering if they will get to eat tomorrow, and no one should be afraid to pay there own bills.

It is my goal as a parent to be a role model and a mentor, and to provide my daughter with the knowledge and tools to make better decisions then I did at her age. I work diligently to show her not only with words, but with actions, that the sky is the limit. And I do so every day, in both subtle and direct ways. Currently I work full time, attend collage full time, and always have time for her. We work on her homework, spend time playing with our dogs, and going for walks. She is now a teenager, and is growing and developing in ways that are hard for me to keep up with. But open communication and a close bond have allowed both of us to grow. I know I cannot make choices for her, and despite my best efforts and advice, she will do some things regardless. But I can rest assured in the knowledge that I did all I could, that I taught and showed her as best I could. And she can take comfort that no matter what happens, no matter the triumph or mistake, that I will be there for her.

I stay positive through perspective, and perspective keeps me moving forward. I grew up in poverty, and struggled my young life with finding stability, safety, and surety. When I became a father at age Seventeen, I resolved to be the kind of man my child could admire and emulate. With that resolve, I worked two jobs while in high school, and pushed myself to provide for my family. Unfortunately it was during this time that my ex left without warning, and absconded with my child. I would then spend the next five years working to save up money for a court battle, and to find my child. I can proudly say that after many years of struggle, multiple jobs, fear, anxiety, and depression, that I succeeded. I own my own home, my own car, and my daughter is living with me, and has been for five years. She is now a teenager, and a wonderful, thoughtful, and kind young lady. My struggles now seem trivial compared to worrying if my child was ok. Hardships at work are minor now that I work one job instead of two. Even attending school full time seems relaxed when compared to laying awake at night wondering if I would make it. Life may have challenges, and money may be difficult, but those challenges do not compare to growing up wondering if there will be enough food for everyone. So it is with perspective that I remain joyful, and thankful for my life. Because I understand where I come from, and I know where I want to be. I want to be the kind of man my daughter can be proud of, and that keeps me smiling every day.

I am first and foremost a parent, and my heart and soul go into providing for my daughter. I feel there is no greater calling in my life then that of being a father. It is my singular goal to teach my teenage daughter to avoid the mistakes of my past, and to raise her to be strong, independent, courteous, and intelligent. I stay true to this by simply being the best me possible, so that I can be the best remodel possible. I work hard, study hard, push myself hard, and always remain polite, respectful, and smiling. That's how I want my daughter to remember me, as driven, motivated, and loving. Because there is no greater gift I can leave the world, and no deed I will ever be as proud of, as my daughter. If I can be the best me, it will show her that anything is possible. I do not let work, school, or stress stop me from being there, being supportive, or spending time with her.

It is with great longing and fervent hope that I wish to see an end to poverty. Poverty in America is estimated to reach 13% by 2022 according the the U.S. Census bureau, which means nearly one in nine Americans will be living below the national poverty level. with a staggering one in seven experiencing food insecurity, meaning they already do not know when they will eat next. I work in the non-profit field helping at risk poverty, as I myself was a child of poverty. It breaks my heart to watch mothers choose between bills and feeding there children. To see fathers work two or more jobs and never have time with there families. And to see the confusion in children's eyes when they eventually realize that there situation is not normal, because they have never known any different. Poverty does not have a universal cause, nor does it have a simple one solution cure. But we as a nation can fight poverty and food insecurity if we all turned towards it and acknowledged it for the problem it is. Which is why I am proud to be working at the Community Enrichment Center, an agency that helps at risk families with food, education, housing, financial coaching, and victims counseling. An agency that not only operates in the community, but partners with other organizations, like United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank. We can make a difference, and so can you.

"Do not go gentle into that good night!" - Dylan Thomas This powerful sentence was written by poet Dylan Thomas, and he uses it in verse when pleading for his father to not give up on life. It is eloquent, compelling, and resonates with anyone who reads it. It is, simply put, a visceral call to all those that read it to not lay down, not give up, and not let themselves go gently into that good night. As a single father who works full time, attends full time school, and supports his own household, I can feel this message in the core of my being. My difficulties and plights are the same as millions of Americans, and it is for that reason that we need to remember that its ok to fight for our beliefs. Its ok to strive, pursue, and try to make our lives and with world around us better. But most of all, its ok to fail, as long as you do not give up. Please, do not go gentle into that good night.