“Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.” - Ralph Blum. These words have shaped my life and made me realize that no matter what adversity I have faced I can still make a difference in the world.
When I was growing up, my mother was on drugs, because she was constantly being beaten by my father. She would spend the rent money on methamphetamine and crack cocaine, requiring us to move from place to place every month. Each night I would get on my knees and just pray to God asking for a drug-free mom. Finally, God answered my prayers: my mom put the pipe down and decided to get off drugs. These experiences molded me into the person I am today: loyal, hardworking, and God fearing.
I know that I can enhance the U.S. Naval Service because my whole life I have had to step up and become a leader. During my 11th grade year I was selected to attend RYLA, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. This was a three-day trip to Idle Wild Camp where the participants were taught the fundamentals of teamwork, communication skills and leadership. My experience there was incredible. I learned what the true definition of leadership was: someone who is not afraid to accept challenges and not afraid to make mistakes.
Over my 11th grade summer, I was sponsored to attend Boys State. Imagine being selected from the “best of the best” that California has to offer for an all paid trip to Sacramento, where 1,000 delegates and alternates gather to learn more about the government and ways to enhance public speaking, leadership skills, and teamwork. We were given the opportunity to take a Boys State Bar exam of 135 questions dealing with government and legal definitions. I passed my exam and was appointed by my "city" to be the police chief. My job was to wake everyone up for breakfast, arrest and fine those who broke the law, and make sure that everyone had their lights off for lights out. I also got to appoint my own police officers.
Using what I learned at Boys State, RYLA, and coping with my mother's problems, I know that I will be able to help anyone succeed in overcoming any obstacles or challenges that come their way. They can always call on me for advice, and I will help. I know that with my passion and determination to help others, I will definitely enhance the U.S. Naval Service.
When I was growing up, my mother was on drugs, because she was constantly being beaten by my father. She would spend the rent money on methamphetamine and crack cocaine, requiring us to move from place to place every month. Each night I would get on my knees and just pray to God asking for a drug-free mom. Finally, God answered my prayers: my mom put the pipe down and decided to get off drugs. These experiences molded me into the person I am today: loyal, hardworking, and God fearing.
I know that I can enhance the U.S. Naval Service because my whole life I have had to step up and become a leader. During my 11th grade year I was selected to attend RYLA, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. This was a three-day trip to Idle Wild Camp where the participants were taught the fundamentals of teamwork, communication skills and leadership. My experience there was incredible. I learned what the true definition of leadership was: someone who is not afraid to accept challenges and not afraid to make mistakes.
Over my 11th grade summer, I was sponsored to attend Boys State. Imagine being selected from the “best of the best” that California has to offer for an all paid trip to Sacramento, where 1,000 delegates and alternates gather to learn more about the government and ways to enhance public speaking, leadership skills, and teamwork. We were given the opportunity to take a Boys State Bar exam of 135 questions dealing with government and legal definitions. I passed my exam and was appointed by my "city" to be the police chief. My job was to wake everyone up for breakfast, arrest and fine those who broke the law, and make sure that everyone had their lights off for lights out. I also got to appoint my own police officers.
Using what I learned at Boys State, RYLA, and coping with my mother's problems, I know that I will be able to help anyone succeed in overcoming any obstacles or challenges that come their way. They can always call on me for advice, and I will help. I know that with my passion and determination to help others, I will definitely enhance the U.S. Naval Service.
