Day 1
Wake up in the morning.
School starts in an hour
Not sure how I’m getting to school
Tired
Hungry
White powdered donuts and Dr. Pepper
Mom says she can drive me to school
She is nice like that
Car has trouble starting, but moving
No heater
Cold
Stop for gas
$3.00 of gas
Late to school
Teacher imad
Embarrassed
Forgot Homework
Sugar high wearing off
Survive math class - no idea what’s going on
Lunchtime
No lunch money
Sit with popular kids
Pretend I’m like them
Not cool to eat cafeteria food
Friends have fancy things like artichoke hearts, how does one even eat an artichoke heart?
Everyone is talking about something called SAT
What is that? Do I need to take it? Where do I take it? Does it cost money?
Made it to Drill Team class
Finally I can excel
Time for weigh ins
Too thin to dance this week.
Must weigh at least 85 lbs
Maybe more powdered donuts
Home finally
Zero energy
Homework
Bed
Day 2
Wake up
Shower
Nothing for breakfast
Walk to school
Cold
Hungry
School before the bell rings
Homework done
Sit in front of class to stay awake
Listen
Next class
Take notes
Lunch
Friend gives me money
Talking about prom
Will I go?
What would I wear?
Tired in next class
Finally, Drill Team
Still too thin
Need to eat more powdered donuts
Home
Homework
Talk to mom about prom
She thinks I should go
She is kind
I’ll need a dress
She would do anything for me
Arrowhead hunting
Find buyer for arrowhead
Prom dress might happen after all
Homework
Bedtime Snack
Powdered Donuts
Some students start the race behind others. I was that student.
The story above is mine. This is a glimpse into what it’s like to come from a disadvantaged background. With opportunity, programs and preparation; students can actually finish the race ahead of those who have more advantage.
I work with thousands of students and offer encouraging tools to equip them to excel against all odds. I help students find opportunities, introduce financial literacy, college coaching, scholarships, equipping them with excellent communication skills and empowering them to be prepared for any circumstance. Learning how to create or spot opportunity is critical to success and leadership.
In my case, I decided to use my story and situation as the power I needed to build a life that I love. Through years of hard work, amazing people and creative thinking, I built a company that would help many students like myself.
Want to know more of my story? Listen to Motivational Mondays here.