“I happened upon the statement ‘If it is to Be, It is up to Me’ by William H Johnsen.  That message, along with the positive role models of my older brothers and sisters, whom had escaped the same impoverished situation and were college students at Northeast Missouri State University (Truman University) was my guiding light.  The Upward Bound program had provided us an avenue to get a college education and to escape our abject poverty. 

As a result of lacking proper medical and dental care treatment, when I graduated from high school, I required extensive dental work.  I ended up having to worked at the local Florsheim Shoe Factory spraying shoes for three years to pay for the dental care. I stumbled around in the dark attempting to find my identity during these three years. 

During this time, I made multiple poor personal judgement choices as I was trying to find my way with limited guidance.  A challenge from my older brother propelled me to make necessary life choice changes, so I joined the National Guard to provide the needed financial resources to assist me to attend college. 

During my college years, I worked full time as a nurse’s aide and a hotel maid, attended college full time and completed my National Guard obligations.  I graduated with an undergraduate G.P.A. of 3.68 and a Master’s degree G.P.A. of 3.86.  Once I commit to do something, nothing is going to deter me from putting forth my best efforts.

I hopefully raised my son by my example of hard work, diligence and don’t-quit determination. My son went to work at age 16 and worked the same retail job during high school and college. My son has achieved his Masters in Strategic Studies and Covert Operations and he is a successful military contractor in D.C.  He is married to the love of his life, whom is an Art teacher and whom is completing her Master’s Degree.”