Growing Up In A Community

Questioning both my academic and athletic abilities is quite common for someone growing up in Lynwood, growing up in a community like mine is a tad bit discouraging. I live in a city where violence, teen pregnancy and high school dropouts have given it its reputation, making it the “ghetto.” Being from the “ghetto” dropped my self-esteem, which lead me to thinking that I have to be like everyone else from my city. I, on the other hand, have not been influenced by my surroundings; but actually saw it more as a form of motivation. Entering high school was one of my fears not because of what we see in movies but because I was afraid to fail. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be capable of understanding the curriculum and was going to become a part of the dropout

My fear was not going to discourage me, I wasn’t going let it make me a part of that percentage; I challenged myself. Constantly told myself that I was going to finish high school and I will not be what was expected from a girl in my community; a high school dropout or a pregnant teen. Throughout my years in school I’ve had teachers challenge me more than what I had imagined, allowing me to realize that it’s not easy coming from a community like mine. I learned how to be independent, because no one was going to take me by the hand and act on my behalf for me later on in life. I became confident, failing was no longer an option. I am now able to focus in what I want to do in the next 4 years and I’ll be prepared to take on those challenges that await for me. Influences of the “ghetto” did not affect me because I thrive for more, I want to prove that being raised in a city like Lynwood doesn’t mean we should be expected to fail, but to aspire and dream the possible and impossible .I will be a Latina who defied all odds, graduated high school and will be taking steps towards a better