A variety of childhood and life experiences shaped me into who I am today: hard working, dedicated, passionate, and ready for Alabama State University. My experiences were not crafted in the traditional way like at pep rallies and football games. While I did attend a regular high school for two years, I then transferred to an alternative school called Ace. When I tell people I went there the first response I get is “Were you pregnant? or “What did you do? Ace is a school you apply to and while some people’s application included a teen pregnancy, or not being able to attend school due to a car accident, mine simply included “working student.
Unlike some of my friends in high school, I had to pay my phone bill and car payment. I actually learned more at this school than I did at my other high school. Not only was I my own teacher but also it was at my own pace. Most people think if you mess up in high school this is the school you attend for discipline. This is incorrect. This school promoted self-discipline.
Ace had no detention or referrals. This was a place you weren’t judged, but a place to go for advice and a place to learn. I realize this may sound unconventional but I would like people to understand not everyone has the same life-style. I didn’t work to go shopping on the weekends; I worked to pay for a car to get me to school since my mother worked in Dallas 30 minutes away. She often went in early or came home late so was unable to take me to school and/or pick me up. I did not have a father figure or any siblings growing up, so the nights my mom worked late I had to take care of myself.
When I was 16 I got my first job as a hostess at Razzoo’s. I worked there for a year with the goal to become a waitress as soon as I turned 18. When I was 17, Babe’s Chicken opened up in my town and since it does not serve alcohol, I was able to become a waitress. This allowed me to achieve my goal of becoming a waitress a year earlier. I am still there today. As seen above, the past 3 years I have grown tremendously and have taken on a great deal more responsibility of my life. Because my mother was a single parent she didn’t have the means to save for my college future.
My grandmother opened a College Tuition fund when I was Five-years old. I’ve always known about the fund and I felt very lucky to have such a great opportunity many other students may not have. After graduation I decided to start my basics at a local community college to prepare myself for the transition to a university and being able to accomplish my goal to graduate from Alabama State. I recently had a discussion with my family regarding potential Universities. Because I am still unsure about my major, I was confused on how to select a College.
My Aunt informed me she too was undecided on a major when determining on a college. After further discussion, and positive comments about Alabama Sate, I learned she chose this University before committing to a major. Shortly after our discussion, I decided to take a road trip with a girlfriend and ended up touring Alabama State. I was solidly impressed with the Campus, which led me to submit my application. I look forward to attending Alabama State, meeting new friends, attending sorority rush week, and calling Alabama my home for the next few years.
