As cliché an answer as this will likely come across as, my grandmother is the most influential and important black woman in my life. I'd go as far to say as she is the only black woman to have a genuine impact on me as a person. My grandmother, my father's mother, is by far one of the strongest people I know. My father has told me countless stories of his life growing up; how my grandmother worked constantly to support him and my uncle as an impoverished, single mother. But she was never cruel or discouraged because of her circumstances. My father would tell me how, every morning without fail, his clothes would be laid out on the end of his bed for him before school. How he rarely got a gift on his birthday, but one would always arrive in the coming days. My grandmother managed to balance all aspects of her life: school, work, and her family. She was not dealt an easy hand to play with, but she made do with what she had. My grandmother is now a successful nurse who is well respected amongst her community and colleagues. She lives in a gorgeous house, one that I, as a child, confused with a castle. She has a large collection of watches, all of varying metals and aesthetics, an interest that connected with my father as well. When she walks an air of confidence follow in her path. She leads the life she always wanted to lead, and I hope one day, I can say the same thing. There have been many times in my life where I have almost given up; I, unfortunately, was not blessed with the natural drive and motivation my grandmother possesses. Since I was a child I have struggled with my mental and social health. Such struggles have made it hard for me to pursue my passions do to fear and uncertainty. However, one thing that has always been a supporting factor for me has been my grandmother's success. Her circumstances were much harder than mine are now, and she was still able to achieve everything she wanted thanks to her hard work and determination. I am, and will always be, a dreamer. I have had a set plan for my future for as long as I can remember, and now is the time where I can start setting those plans into motion, and I refuse to let those plans slip through my fingers. My grandmother has impacted me more than I'm sure she will ever know, both directly and indirectly. She has supported me in my wild endeavors, blessed me with the kindest man for a father, and provided me with the motivation to make active pushes for the kind of life I want to lead. If nothing else, I owe her my effort for the effort she put into our blood line.