I believe wholeheartedly, in the concept of hard work equals success. My entire life has always been shaped by that concept. Of course many would argue just because you work hard doesn’t automatically mean you will be successful. This is only true if your goals aren’t realistic. Others will argue that being “realistic” means limiting yourself, this is simply not true being realistic simply means adjusting goals. When I was an infant, I almost died from oxygen imbalance. This caused my disability. I am not perfect by any means, but I am extremely grateful for all the help I’ve received in life.

When I was four years old, I moved to Mauritania for two years, doing things most couldn’t imagine like riding elephants and taking care of exotic animals with my grandfather. I came back to the U.S. and had to adjust to the language and culture . When I was eight years old I went through the most difficult thing in my life, my surgery. My hips were essentially coming out of their sockets so I needed surgery, because of my aforementioned trip. Needless to say, it was extremely painful. My rehabilitation was even worse. I spent months in a hospital bed. I cannot even begin to describe the agony and loneliness I was feeling at the time. My family helped me get through this trying time. I got closer to my religion praying every night.  On a positive note, the experience gave me a burning love for sandwiches and cartoons, as I ordered one almost daily. I was eventually discharged from the hospital temporarily in an almost full body cast. I was overjoyed at the prospect of seeing my family. As summer began, my first grade teacher came to visit to give me some advice and a book, The Jungle Book. She told me: “Don’t think of obstacles as challenges, but questions to see who you truly are.” I didn’t understand what she meant at the time, but I do understand now. This experience gave me a passion for books. I finally took off my cast later that summer. Rehab was even more brutal than the surgery itself. I literally had to take it step by painful step. Luckily, I had the help of two brilliant therapists named Natalie and Michelle. I was officially out of the hospital later that year. My experiences have taught me that with hard work and motivation you will succeed in life; that is my belief.