My inspiration

The first time I was inspired was when I moved to San Francisco in 2010. I met a woman by the name of Geraldine who pushed me past my limits to better myself in everything I did. Geraldine always said you can't settle for what is good, you must strive to get the best. Follow your heart and fulfill your dreams. No one ever told me encouraging words like that. It made me really think about what it was to never settle for just the ok things in life and to always push myself to get the best. For example, I was three years out of high school with no college behind me, she always put "fire under my butt" to go with her to City College to take some general classes, which I found that I enjoyed. That is one of many of my goals is to have a college diploma and with Geraldine's help, I can reach that goal. A year ago, Geraldine came across a flyer, in big bold letters, it read YEAR UP BAY AREA. She did a little research about the program and knew that a have a love for the technology world. She said you better jump on this opportunity because not many have this kind of chance. So I researched more about the program and decided that Year Up was something I wanted to be apart of. In the past, I was always told I wouldn't amount to nothing. That I was nothing. That college shouldn't even be in my vocabulary. Today, I am something because I know I can contribute some way some how in this world. Each time I struggle I am asked who said life was easy? When you go through these troubles, that is what makes you stronger. Everyday I always keep in the back of my mind that I am getting stronger with all the trials and struggles I go through. I also remember that there is always someone else out there who has it a lot worse than me. I appreciate Geraldine and what she has instilled in my heart because it advice that will last a lifetime.