I believe in hard work and determination. As I am approaching my junior year of high school, I am beginning to think about the future, specifically college. If I'm going to be completely honest, the future scares me.

As high schoolers we are expected to have a 4.0 GPA, an outstanding ACT score and participate in as many extracurriculars as possible. On top of all of this we are supposed to have as much fun as we can because these are supposedly the best four years of our lives. Just the thought of trying to meet all of these requirements scares me more than anything. At the end of every school year, some people find it difficult to work hard and find motivation to finish out the year because summer is so close.

I have learned that the end of the year is the point where I need to work my hardest. Sitting at home on a Saturday night to study for a history test when all of my friends are out having fun seems like the end of the world now, but in the long run it's a tiny sacrifice that can make the biggest difference.

Those three hours I sacrificed are the reason I got an A on that history test. Long hours of hard work, are one of the reasons I am determined to succeed.

One of the most inspirational people in my life is my grandpa. Ever since I was little my grandpa and I have had such a close relationship. Because we live only a few miles apart, I have been fortunate enough to spend most of my childhood with him. After all these years it’s safe to say he is one of the most important people in my life. My grandpa once told me, “Life is hard work and there are no shortcuts.

Hard work and determination.

That’s how I live my life and if that’s how you live yours, you will be successful.” One thing that I love about my grandpa is how much he wants me to succeed. For as long as I can remember, my grandpa has been interested in my school work.

At the start of this year, he took me out to lunch and asked me to write down all of the short-term and long-term goals I have for this year. I didn't understand why my grandpa cared so much about my success until looking back on his life. On Sept. 23, 1963, at the age of 17, my grandpa started work at International Harvester. He was sweeping floors. With his attitude and dedication, he slowly began to work his way up to higher positions in the company.

Fast forward 53 years, and my grandpa is the owner of the company. His story is truly inspirational and it motivates me every single day. When I think about the future and where I hope to be in 50 years, I hope to be half as successful as he is. He truly is living the American Dream and I couldn’t be more honored to call this man my grandpa. With such an inspirational man in my life I have learned that the sky's the limit and anything is possible if you work hard enough. So, why do I believe in hard work and determination? My grandpa.