"When I grow up, I want to be a psychologist", said no child under the age of 6. Usually, the response to that kind of question is a fireman, policeman, ballerina, or singer. At age 6I wanted to be a singer, but as it always does, life happened, and that dream didn't. Instead, I live the glamorous life of a mother to 8 children and although I'd like it to pause so I can catch my breath, life continues to happen. I went back to college in 2017 and pursued psychology, a field that I had never before considered, but whose content convinced me this was my path. I love psychology and completed my degree in 2020, just before things spun out from Covid-19. I knew I wanted to continue my education. I wasn't done and so I began the process of applying to graduate schools. In 2020 I was rejected from every school that I applied to. It was disheartening but I survived and applied to more schools that next year. In 2021 I was again rejected from every school I had applied to. I could have given up and settled for something less. I had colleagues and friends who encouraged me to look into Social Work, but it just didn't feel right. For 2022 I filled out a lot of applications... 11 total. I was once again rejected, save for the one school I really wanted to go to. I start in August. As life happens, adversity is its natural partner. In this instance it came between me and a life that I want to live. I tried and failed, again - a second time, and nearly a third time but I persevered and actualized my desire. That's who I am. I don't give up. I keep trying and eventually succeed.