Since the first paycheck that I received when I was 12 years old I realized I was very ambitious. I grew up seeing my mom struggle as a single parent and I was not OK with that. She worked three jobs just to get by and to have food on the table.

My father walked out when I was two years old and growing up without him was rough. Sometimes people take the little things for granted but I never held a grudge. I just made a promise to myself and my mom that I would never rely on anyone and that I would be as independent as she was.

It was unfortunate to not have the extra help but I ham fortunate to know the hard work that it takes to live a better life. Starting from the bottom I am now working on my Bachelors in Fashion Merchandising which has always been my dream. I go to school full time but I also work full time.

While working full-time and going to school full time I have managed to excel at my job and although it is not my dream job it is something that I extremely proud of. I have managed to get two promotions and I am now the Account Manager to Corporate Sales at an E-Commerce Pharmaceutical company.

It is not always easy to wake up early in the morning to go to work and live paycheck to paycheck. However, I have always worked hard for what I want and need. The key to staying focused is to set short-term goals as well as long-term. People will always have something negative to say and weeding out those naysayers will be your blessing in disguise.

One day I hope to be able to travel the world and be as independent as my mom has taught me and I hope to be a role model for those kids that according to statistics don't have a chance at a better life.

With ambition and determination anything is possible and it is OK to dream big because they can all be reached with the right will and power.