When I was born I slapped my mom’s doctor in the face, and was the last baby she would ever deliver. She retired after delivering me, but hopefully not because I came out swinging. This story of my birth has always been told to me with the purpose of trying to lift my spirits. My mom always expressed to me how I was born a fighter and that nothing could stop me from chasing my dreams. I was fortunate...

When I started searching for what college or university I might attend, I was in ninth grade. I knew that I had to start my search early, because I didn't want to be in the thick of my junior year wondering where I’d end up. I got my list together and made criteria for the schools to meet such as: How far away is the school? How good is it academically? Will I be able to chase my dreams...