Personal Narrative: The Collegiate Summer Away Program

Have you ever dreamed about visiting somewhere and you started thinking your life there? Coming to Miami was my biggest dream in my entire life because I see how beautiful it used to be when someone came anywhere from the US and how other people treated them with respects. I guess all immigrants dream about coming to the US, although not everyone wants to come to stay, but I know for sure everyone in other country would like to visit one day. I grew up in a small city with my Mom and my Sister where life was kind of hard for us because My Mom was a single Mother that trying to raise two kids at that time. I have never had a chance to know my Dad because he came to Miami

Throughout my life I have been told, find something that you enjoy and find something that will benefit you as well as others. I really have not taken this statement to my heart until I got the opportunity to sit down with Candy Vander Wal, athletic trainer at Shiloh Christian School. The whirlwind of all the games that take place at the school, I had never realized what role Candy played a part of and all the hard work she does to help student athletes. Once we started to talk, I began to realize that, although I am only a senior in high school, I could see myself enjoying being an athletic trainer someday or just entering the sports medicine line of work. During our conversation, Candy taught me that finding something you enjoy can benefit not only you but others too.

One summer day, out of the blue, my dad decided to take us to South Padre Island. Summer vacation is always a stressful time for me. I’ve always wanted to experience something entertaining, but I never seem to enjoy trips with my family. We complain a lot and don’t get so well along. Everyone I know has really interesting vacation stories in which their families enjoyed awesome adventures and created unforgettable memories.

I 've met so many talented and amazing people. I loved and had my heart broken. I 've even lost people close to me. But all of that has shaped me to be he person I am today. Someone who can love so hard that it hurts.

In spite of that everybody wanted to help, they were arguing about everything, finally we managed to agree with each other. The challenge was not only agreeing, but also not all of us followed what we had already agreed about and because of this we did not collect much plants and

This was very different to me because my past schools’ I was always the “new kid” that was not wanted around much, so having to be the center of attention in the new place with everybody wanting to know me and introduce me around was very pleasing and I never wanted it to end. But the thing is I was not the only new student to join, there was another student that was with me that did not get the same treatment that I was getting. At first I thought it was because he was alone and did not talk much. However, it turned to be because I was so overwhelmed by all this friendliness that everybody forgot about him. I could have gone to him and introduced him to everybody

I remember feeling helpless and confused. I wanted to see my dad and my siblings but I didn’t want to leave my friends behind and I really liked the school I was attending I had just gotten into the 3rd grade which I was very excited for. I didn’t have another option, I had to come here and looking back I’ve never appreciated anything more.

In the years since I entered school, to the moment that my cap left my hand, I had grown into an entirely new version of myself. The freedom of college in combination with the guidance of so many teachers had led me to turn every negative aspect of myself into something new. With the pride I had gained in being part of something bigger, I became diligent and wholly interested in my studies. I had met so many interesting people who helped me break from my shell, and in doing so I had met some of the greatest friends I have ever had.

September 30th, 2000, the day I first walked into Beaver Stadium on the campus of Pennsylvania State University. I was hooked. Since that day, I have been enamored with collegiate athletics. During my senior year of high school, I realized actually playing collegiate sports was a dream I that wouldn’t be able to fulfill. Although an opportunity presented itself during my senior year of college, I was paid to work during athletic events.

Although it was hard for me to watch all my friends and family play outside without me, and to not be able to go to the fair that year, it taught me that we have the choice to either complain about it or make the most of it. I quickly realized that breaking my arm wasn't as bad as it seemed. I was still able to walk around and talk to my friends, I became more thankful for the things that I had. I realized that some people aren't able to walk or even move and that I actually had it easy. After I got my cast off and I was finally able to move it again, I wanted to do everything that I had missed out on

Three years ago, I was told that I would have to take a leave of absence from Howard University. A representative of students affairs and my mother we concerned for my well-being, and decided that a semester at home would be best. Home was family and friends, home was familiar, home was comfort, but when I returned my childhood friends no longer wanted to associate themselves with me, and the students at my new school saw my blackness as a token. I was looking for support, but home wasn't the sanctuary I was expecting. Every day wasn’t a nightmare; I have many wonderful memories of the last two year, but on my bad days when I needed someone to be there for me; I felt alone.

My most significant endeavor since attending community college would be helping my community to receive an Adult Daycare. Thought this endeavorer I have applied my knowledge that I have learned about the disease to educate others in my community who may not have to know the impact of it. I have also used and sought the aid of my relationship that I have built by being at my community college. This Adult Daycare service or Coltrane LIFE center is something that I am passionate about having in my hometown. My grandpa has Alzheimer's and I have seen the stress that tolls on the family and caregiver.

I graduated back in 2013 from a pretty decent school district. During high school I wasn’t an A student or a B student, I just did what I needed in order to pass. Once I got to my junior of high school I started taking things more seriously, I started making A’s and B’s. Once my senior year started the pressure was on. Everyone asking “what college are you thinking about attending?”

I first heard of the Trailblazer Collegiate Academy during my freshman year enrollment. The idea of taking college classes at a community college while still in high school was appealing to me because my current coursework took no effort to complete and I wanted a challenge. Once I was a sophomore, I began looking into it more seriously. If I wanted to apply for the Academy, I had a short window of time to do so. After discussing it with my counselor I learned that my classes I took with the community college would factor into my GPA at the high school level.

At the CIA, “Food Is Life” means that food is a major ingredient in your life. To others food might mean good taste, but to me food means so much more. Food is what I see, obviously eat, but most importantly, it’s what I think about all day. Food means everything to me and that is why I wish to enroll into the CIA because I know that I will find my success there.