When life is good and simple, it is easy to become complacent, and this is exactly what happened to me.
This is impressive introspection.
Comma and a dash:
Whatever the reason was, it led me on my own path and I was happy -- or so I thought.
I like your writing style.
I went back to high school and got my diploma. It felt great having my own purpose for college rather than following the norms of society. My college ... never justify depriving myself of the college experience at this point. This can be shortened and condensed. Some of it is not so important. I don't know why I put a line through it; I don't mean to suggest that you should cut this paragraph, but I think you should condense it.
Some of your sentences are really great: Since I could not find inspiration in my peaceful world, I created chaos and from the ashes I arose with a purpose of my own creation and a determination to achieve my goals.
My entire career as a football player was marred with defeat. ----oh, ha ha, this is funny, I'm sorry.
This was our first victory of my high school career and it was against our crosstown rival, it was an amazing feeling.
Football taught me about being a man, and how to fight for something that truly matters to you Be careful not to suggest that fighting for what is important to you is more characteristic of males than females.
I think the football essay has potential to become a great metaphor associated with your career, but right now it seems too simplistic! :-)