I faced numerous obstacles and challenges on my path to academic success throughout my life. The early years of my education were difficult, requiring much perseverance to overcome my obstacles, including personal, emotional, and family issues. However, I believe that with the right amount of motivation and discipline, anyone can overcome such challenges and succeed.

My upbringing involved frequent relocations due to my mother’s mental health conditions. She suffered from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and manic depression, and as a result, required various medications. Unfortunately, the prescribed medications did not always effectively treat her illnesses, leading to further complications. Repeatedly moving between my mother’s and grandmother’s residences significantly impacted my education, as the schools I attended followed different academic schedules. Transitioning from a traditional school schedule to a block schedule affected the credits required for graduation.

Upon realizing the conflict between the credit systems of various public schools, I decided to enroll in a charter school to make up for the additional block schedule credits necessary for high school graduation. To my dismay, it ultimately ended in disappointment, as the charter school misplaced the work I had completed. As a result, I was unable to graduate, leaving me feeling devastated and defeated.

Subsequently, I sought employment and began working as a laborer to continue with life.

After working in labor for a few years without completing high school, I realized the importance of continuing my education to progress. The first step was to take the GED test in the county where I lived. Despite working 10-hour days and having limited time to study, I passed the test with an above-average score, which was a pleasant surprise. This success served as proof that I could pursue the career I wanted by continuing my education. It also reinforced the idea that the experience and knowledge gained from my hard work were valuable, even if I didn’t receive formal credit for it.

For a few years, I conducted research to find a school that could accommodate my traveling job. I worked long hours and traveled on a route that constantly changed every year, mostly in the western United States. I discovered Laurus College and realized that I could pursue my college education online while working on the road. I considered finding a local coffee shop with internet access to attend classes. However, I soon realized that my full potential was not being realized due to the long workdays and changing locations.

I faced a tough decision: continue my current lifestyle or focus on school for a better future. For me, the choice was clear. I decided to leave behind the traveling and instability I had become accustomed to for a better future. It was a drastic change that took some time to get used to. I had to walk away from a future with limitations to pursue a future with unlimited possibilities. I decided to move to Oxnard, California to pursue my education. It was a tough journey, as I didn’t have a permanent place to stay at first and had to rely on a shelter. Despite the challenges, I persevered with my studies, striving to overcome the lack of necessities and inexperience in living a settled life. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and determination in pursuing academic success.

I decided to move to the Bay Area and kickstart my life by enrolling in a program there. Despite encountering legal trouble and being incarcerated, I refused to be defeated or devastated. I put my college plans on hold while behind bars, but I never lost sight of my original goals after leaving my nomadic lifestyle.

Following my release, I successfully enrolled in a program in San Francisco and excelled. However, the program’s restrictions on technology made pursuing my college education challenging. Nevertheless, I was determined to find a way to complete my education. I met all the requirements of the program, including attending religious gatherings, group meetings, and AA meetings.

Once the program was completed, I found a place that provided a supportive environment for individuals to regain stability and sobriety. I’ve remained there ever since and re-enrolled in college to continue my education and earn my degree. Due to the support and stability in my life, I’ve made significant progress in college and am excelling. I also have a reliable Wi-Fi connection and have benefited from new job opportunities during the pandemic. Currently, I’m employed at a non-profit organization, working to assist individuals facing challenges like those I’ve overcome, providing housing and care. I follow a daily routine for school and work, ensuring that I stay on track and manage my responsibilities effectively.

Overcoming the obstacles and challenges has given me the determination and skills to press on, regardless of any circumstances. The key to success lies in understanding that life can present tough challenges, but with determination, success is always within reach. It’s important to never give up, and if you do, to quickly refocus and move forward. Not everyone has a clear path in life, but by persevering, even in the face of failure, we can achieve success. Every failure brings us closer to success, and it’s these experiences that are essential for pursuing our goals and finding success in life.

 

Michael Alexander – Class of 2024