Determination Will Get You Far

I remember it like it was yesterday... graduation was right around the corner. I was 22 years old and scared on what was next. But all I knew was that I was done and would be graduating in four years! Class of 2015 would be walking on stage and receiving their diplomas.

It has been 3 years since I graduated. On a journey to become a successful sports journalist, I realized that it was not easy to get my foot in through the door. After graduation, just like many other graduates, I continued to work in retail. Applying to countless jobs and getting turned down, I began to feel defeated. As a first generation graduate and as the first person to graduate from my family, I felt like a failure.

What good was my diploma if I wasn't doing what I had studied for?

As sad as I was, I realized that I wasn't alone. My friends were also struggling to get to where they wanted to be. Some people found jobs right away, but not everyone had the same fortune. As months went by, I was reminded that everyone has to go through their own path and journey to achieving their goals.

God has a plan for all of us. Our time might be now or it may be later, but sooner or later, with determination we get to where we want to be! Two years after graduating, I was lucky enough to be offered a position at the Michelson 20MM Foundation as an intern. I would be writing blogs and practicing my writing for the summer.

Impressed with my writing and skills, I was extended to be a digital marketing intern for the next six months. As happy as I was, I knew that my heart was with the sports industry. I thought I had left school behind me, but I was wrong. I would soon be studying for the GRE and applying for graduate school. Just like most of us, we become content with our bachelors degree and see no need to get a masters.

Why a masters?

I set my mind and soul to apply to the University of Southern California. Passionate to continue writing, I applied to USC's school of journalism, Annenberg. For the next few months, I disappeared to study and to write my personal statements. Determined to be accepted, I did everything I could to perfect my essays and to get the highest score possible.

Once I hit the submit button on the application, I felt a bit of relief. Now all I had to do was wait. As the days went by, I constantly checked my e-mail. Looking for an acceptance e-mail from Annenberg. Then one afternoon, it was there. My acceptance to the school of my dreams. With teary eyes, I shared with my colleagues that I had been accepted. My hard work had paid off, I would be attending USC in the summer.

With determination, I had achieved what I had set my mind to. I am happy to say that I will be starting my masters program in July!

I may not be a successful sports journalist yet, but I know that I will be! My future is bright and so is yours! So remember, when you feel like giving up, don't! Never give up on your dreams! Great things will come your way as long as you set your mind to it! Everything happens when it is meant to happen.