My parents didn't support my decision to go to a four year university. They wanted me to go to a junior college first because I wouldn't have to pay tuition. But me, being the strong headed, independent woman I am, didn't listen to them. Also, living only 30 minutes away from campus, my parents wanted me to live at home. But I was determined to live in a dorm where I could make my own rules. If I was going to go to a four year college though, I had to pay for it myself. So, I was relying on scholarships, loans, and grants to get me through the year.

In order to keep most scholarships and grants you must maintain a 3.0 GPA. However, after a semester of party, bad decisions, and no studying, I ended up with a 2.16 and was placed on academic probation. Going from an honor student to being on academic probation was upsetting. I knew I had to make a change. I stopped partying and I started studying, but I still only ended my Spring semester with a 2.75.

I was ready to give up. I started looking to other colleges I could transfer to and became extremely depressed. I was about to lose my scholarships and had no means of paying for college. Luckily, I appealed to keep my scholarship and they let me have one more semester to get my act together.

Going into my sophomore year, I knew there was no room for error. I had to study and put school above everything else. I now have a 3.8 GPA and I am finally proud of myself.

What I want everyone to take from this story is that you shouldn't give up. If you're passionate about something and your heart is truly in it for all the right reasons, God will help you find a way to make it work. Continue to work hard every day to better yourself and your education.