"Don't become your worst enemy by underestimating yourself. Instead, be invincible and embody your true gifts."
Success is a relative term. Just as beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. To me success is setting goals for oneself and actively pursuing them, no matter the obstacles you encounter. However, true success is unattainable without the love and support of others. Encouraging words from a neighbor, the help from a teacher, or prayers from your grandmother could all be contributing factors to one’s success. Only a fraction of my success can be attributed to me because my family is the most prominent motivation towards me achieving my goals.
I remember my very first Jr. USA Track &Field meet. I was 13 years old and going into the 8th grade. While other kids were playing outside and watching their favorite cartoons I was preparing to run what I thought would be the most important race of my life. I was new to running and had never competed in the 200 meter hurdles. On a sultry June day my entire family was in attendance to see me in my first race. Being an experienced runner himself, my dad, provided me with words of wisdom to calm my nerves. Once the runners were called to their mark butterflies emerged in my stomach.
The crack of the gun signaled the beginning of my journey towards success. I jumped from the starting blocks and effortlessly cleared two hurdles. While approaching the third hurdle my focus became deterred and my back foot got caught bringing me to my knees with a bloody gash. I felt discouraged, but the screams of my family from the cheering stands was all the motivation I needed in order to get back up and finish the race. Due to the faith my family had in me and my determination to complete the race, I finished 3rd place and was proud. Just as they supported me in my very first race, my family continues to be the vehicle toward my success.
Since that day, every life challenge has reminded me of some portion of that race. However, by having cultural challenges while studying abroad, graduating with honors from college, being a leader within my organization and university, and maintaining a fulfilling internship related to my field of study, have all taught me life lessons. Lessons such as the importance of focus, the value of determination, the depth of pride, the achievement of success; despite the pain, have all been applicable to my success in life thus far – but most of all, the support of family.
