School has never came easy for me. 
I’ve always barely scraped by, and went on to the next grade, when I started college that all changed. I didn’t care about going, I would lie to my parents about class, I ended up getting a placed on academic probation, and eventually suspension. All it took was someone to encourage me, and believe in me, because I didn’t believe in myself. It took me three years to complete my associates in arts degree, but I did it. I had some very special teachers who believed in me at JCTC. I graduated in the spring of 2016, and the day before I was going to walk for graduation I got the call I had waited for. I was accepted into the Kent school!!!!!! 
Being a social worker has always been my dream, and it seemed so far fetched until now. “She believed she could, so she did.”
I am a first generation college graduate, my father attended UofL but never graduated and transferred to a trade school. My mother has her GED. My parents are foster parents, having adopted nine children, I wanted to be someone my adopted siblings could look up to and inspire them to be better students. As a first generation college student, I am now able to help my younger adopted siblings with information about college. My advice to other first gen students, ask for help. May it be a fellow classmate, professor, or an advisor, ask someone if you need help, as everyone I have encountered on campus is always willing to help.
My greatest challenge was believing in myself, I never thought I was smart enough to attend and thrive at any college. Now I just finished my first semester of the 
upper division program of The Kent School, and I take such pride in my grades. The current lesson that I would give others would be to believe in yourself. My father has always told me, anything you set your mind to, you can do it. Those are the words that I live by.
Growing up I barrel raced, I was always gone to horse shows on the weekends. Horses are such a huge part of my life still today. Barrel Racing was a family thing, my grandfather, my mother, and myself all barrel raced. Due to college I am not able to ride my horses like I would like, but I know they will be there when I am finished and graduated.
What makes me extraordinary? I would have to say my kind, caring personality. I always put others above myself, and am always willing to help everyone.
My family and friends have been the biggest blessing in supporting me through my college career. Without them, 
this wouldn’t be possible.
My parents are absolutely amazing, they are my biggest supporters as is my longtime boyfriend, Matt.