I've always put over 100% of effort into my schoolwork. Not only did I put all my effort into schoolwork, but my blood, sweat, and tears. Is it the healthiest thing in the world? Probably not. However, for all I put into my schoolwork I get some of the highest grades. I've received high honors in high school, and many awards. Although I'm only a junior, I am extremely close to hitting the GPA required for Summa Cum Laude.

Anyways, the point is that I have always pushed myself to be better in my academics than I was before. Not only do I strive to do my best in school, but in all that I do. As a child and throughout elementary school I have always tried my best, but the exact point in my education where I decided to push myself to continuously improve and hit the highest marks possible was in 8th grade. It was history class to be precise.

This 8th-grade history class is where my "never stop improving" attitude began. One of the first things that actually happened in the class was a quiz. I obviously cannot remember everything about it today (8 years later), but there was a quiz and we were supposed to remember a certain number of "firsts." I believe it was only like 15 or so out of a list, but the teacher said we could get extra credit if we memorize more. Well, I was the only one to memorize and correctly get all 30. Here's some proof from my Facebook post back in 2010 (pardon the weirdness, it was "cool" at that time).

Well not only was the quiz something that I did to impress the teacher, class, and even myself, but a specific extra credit assignment in the class is truly what made me realize that if I put my mind to it, I can excel.

This extra credit assignment was actually given by this history teacher's student teacher. The extra credit was that we had to memorize and sing for the class a Schoolhouse Rock song. Well in about a week I learned the entire song "The Shot Heard Round The World." I can still remember and can sing along to the song to this day.

The time and effort I put into this extra credit assignment showed that with hard work and determination I will thrive. After that class, I was determined to never settle for less. I learned how to set myself apart from others. I learned what it takes to be an example for others.

Over the years this passion for school and increasing effort led to my work ethic. I'm always making sure I give nothing less than my best quality of work. I strive to help others become better versions of themselves too. I've grown to love helping others and seeing them excel, too. Since I first desired to better myself I have been able to be a positive influence for myself, friends, family, and even the community in which I live.

Schoolhouse Rock was the start of my success and work ethic. I will always be grateful for "The Shot Heard Round The World," and my 8th-grade history class.