The Competitive Edge David Diaz

Sometimes life throws us challenges that are unexpected and scary, as well as obstructive to our goals and dreams. A few years ago my mother became ill concurrent with the dot com bust. She was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, her third type of cancer, and as a result we lost our house, our income, our security, and life as I had always known it changed dramatically.

Initially we were forced to live in my Uncle's backyard, in his fifth wheel camping trailer. I thought my dreams of college and a future were over. I started to let life push me around; forgetting I was a competitor I almost gave up my dreams.

Fortunately my positive upbringing and competitive nature kicked in. I realized I had a choice and I fought back. I stopped the negative thoughts and fought the anxiety and fears that were detrimental to the rest of my academic career and my future. I pushed myself harder in school; I succeeded. I am proud of the tenacity and drive that allowed me to accomplish more than I thought possible in academics and extracurricular achievements. I refused to let the tough times in my early teens decide the course of my future.

It is apparent to me that my scholastic career was fostered and funded by family and friends. Their support,...