I would like to start by introducing myself. My name is Andrew Wyatt. I am currently a senior at Eastside High School in Camden, New Jersey. I currently reside with my grandmother in Camden, New Jersey. Both my parents are deceased. I never knew my mother. She died at the Lady of Lordes Hospital while in labor with me. I lived with my father until the age of 4, when he died of a heart attack. My grandmother is the person who raised me to be the person that I am today. I am respectful, responsible, and reliable. I really can’t say that I faced hardships, thankfully. I have my uncles and other family members who have been there for me every step of the way. And for this I am grateful. I plan to attend Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey. Majoring in Education or as a Social Worker. I’m interested in anything related to helping children. Because I understand what it feels like to struggle academically. I have had great teachers who have helped me in my academic achievements. I feel as though I will make a great teacher because I understand and I know firsthand the challenges today's youth are facing. I love going to school. It’s just something about me that I have to be there regularly. I have not missed a day from school since starting 1st grade until the present. What motivates me to go every day is the support of my grandmother, helping me turn it into a routine. What I like about going to school is my teachers. They are very orgainzed they keep the classroom well structured and safe to make sure everyone has a smooth opportunity in learning, and it has been days, the classroom has been difficult, where I don’t get everything correct, which doesn’t stop me from going. I want to come out of college being an educator, making a positive impact on my community by helping kids who don’t have the resources that they need to move on with their education. And I want to help those students who don’t have access to the materials that they need. My main goal at the end of the day is to make sure the students enjoy learning and feeling valued and safe inside a classroom environment, and to make sure everyone has an opportunity to make a difference in their future.

The people in my life, or I should say people who have made an impact in my life, are as follows. My grandmother, my uncles, and a close family friend. I've watched them navigate their own lives to be able to include me. These people have shaped me into the person I have become. They have instilled in me the morals, values, and confidence that have shaped me. Their support will take me through any challenges that come my way while I navigate college life. The strength, strive, energy that I witnessed, especially from my grandmom, who is my main guardian, is nothing but amazing. My grandmother made sure that I attended school every day, and because of this, I've had perfect attendance from 1st grade until the present. She enrolled me in Karate classes that helped me build more resilience, patience, and character. My uncles are hard-working men who are great role models. They encourage me to stay on the right path. They let me know that regardless of my circumstances, I can do anything as long as I stay focused on myself and pay attention to who I surround myself with. Because of my strong support system, I'm able and willing to do what it takes to succeed. My goal has always been to go to college. I've always been interested in majoring in anything that supports underprivileged children. I would like to major in either something in the educational field or social work. I've had great teachers who were great role models for me. They inspired me to pursue my dreams. Losing both parents has not been easy. Let me give you a little background on myself. I lost my mother while she was in labor with me. So I never knew her. I lived with my father until the age of 4. He had a heart attack while we were at home. I remember my father being a hard-working man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone. My main reason for wanting to go to college is to make him proud and to let him know that I made it. I want both parents, especially my father, to know that all his hard work did not go in vain. Sometimes life gives you curveballs. But that's just life. Just because you may not come from the best situations doesn't mean or should predict your outcome in life.