Undergraduate / I discovered the core of strength within myself that survived all hurt. My childhood. [4]

How has your family history, culture, or environment influenced who you are?
250 WORDS OR LESS

Max Lerner once said, "The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt." This considerably describes my childhood. Growing up, I was the middle child. I always looked up to my older sister. I also had a younger brother who I wanted to be a good influence on so I always strived to lead by example. I grew up being taught to cherish the small things.

I grew up in a very poverty-stricken neighborhood in Miami, FL. Some would consider it the ghetto. I lost my father at a very young age. He was hit by a drunk driver while crossing the street. I grew up in a single parent home with my mother and two siblings. My mother's main objective with raising us was to teach us the significance of education and to be thankful for all that we had. Even though my mother couldn't provide many materialistic items, she made sure we always spent quality time as a family. Every Friday night, we would partake in a game night.

In my neighborhood, I witnessed many of my fellow youth getting into trouble, dropping out of school, or even becoming incarcerated. The way I was raised molded me into who I am today by teaching me to work hard for what I want out of life and to never give up regardless of the circumstance.