I grew up moving around a lot; I lived in Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, and now my current home city is Rialto. But my days as a child were well spent! Both of my parents worked weekday jobs, so during the weekend we were always together. My family and I traveled often and are thankful for the experiences. I have grown to love traveling and still want to see more of the world.

My older sibling and I were both active in soccer, so our weekends were filled with traveling for soccer games. I played on an all-boys team from ages 8-14. I learned how to hold my ground and play with speed. I continued to play all through high school, then played collegiate soccer for 4 years of undergrad and during my 5th year as a student teacher.

When I was 10 years old, I had one of the greatest challenges growing up; my parents got a divorce, and it wasn’t a pretty one. Unfortunately, the scar of the divorce still impacts me today. However, due to a supporting family, I have found ways to cope and strive for a better future. Despite the divorce, my mom continues to be my most influential person (I didn’t realize it back then but now that I look back, it’s all clear where I got my motivation). My mom was the hardest working person I knew! When she was 17, she had my brother and still decided to go to college. Three years later she had me and kept going to college (I remember sitting in the back of her classes). Then once she graduated and started her teaching career, she had my younger sister. Through all that, she was able to get “As” and “Bs” during college and pursue her career without any setbacks. Then when the divorced happened, she became a single mom to still such young children. She never let the divorce stop us from participating in any extracurriculars. Although money was tight, she always held a strong stature to herself and never let us feel like we needed help.

Little did I know how much she influenced me because soon I decided I wanted to be a teacher just like my mom. So now at 22 years old, I am a student teacher while pursuing my dream career of being a teacher. I have yet to have any sad or happy moments in my career.

For future readers: Although the life you thought you would have could be shattered with just a few simple words, don’t let that consume you. Fight back with all you have and prove to yourself that you will succeed in goals you set for your future. Through hard work and perseverance, you can achieve anything. Most importantly APPRECIATE THE LITTLE THINGS. Life will happen so fast and won’t stop for anything.

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Advice to younger self:

• • Go out and enjoy time with your friends