'greatness and prosperity' How family history, culture - influenced who you are?

Being born into a Haitian family, has predetermined me for an outcome of greatness and prosperity. Coming from a family where the phrase college graduate is rare, has made me more of a determined student in graduating from high school and obtaining a college degree. I remember sitting around the dinner table listening to the stories of my father telling me how his life took a dramatic turn for the worst the day his mother died. He would recount how he sacrificed the first few years of his education to take care of his siblings. The stories have instilled in me that there are many opportunities going to waste and I would be a fool not to take them by a firm grip. My parent's history have also influenced who I am morally and characteristically. My parents and culture have instilled in me in knowing the right from the wrong. Whenever I'm stuck in a difficult predicament my mother always had good advice that always seems to help me make the best decisions. Also, I can say that I have never smoked a cigarette or drunk a drop alcohol, and do not give into peer pressure. My father, who came from a strict family, was pretty lenient on me and my siblings as we grew up. He and my mother supported us fully in what we wanted to do and allowed us to be independent. The result of the early independence allowed me to make quick decisions on my own, and make mistakes on my own so that I can learn from them. Because of my parents I am very mature and reliable, making sure I promise to do as I say. My parents have also pushed me to do well in school, so that I won't have difficulty finding a well-paying job on only a high school diploma. They allowed me to join a variety of groups and programs, even though living in a house with six people with only one car proved to be an issue, I persevered and became members in various service and career profession clubs.

I am proud to say my parents played a significant role in shaping the young lady I am today. Their stories of hardship and strife motivated me to be a tenacious young lady hungry for education. Withal, I feel that I am prepared to meet any challenge head on and believe that I can best showcase my who I am best at the University of Central Florida

... this sentence sounds confusing for me. What do you really mean by this?
I remember sitting around the dinner table listening to the stories of my father telling me how his life took a dramatic turn for the worst the dayfrom the day his mother died.

I see that you have a tendency to overdo when expressing your ideas. I wish you re-do this whole answer and re-post it here.