As I am approaching my college graduation, I look back to my college career as a whole. I have to say, I am pretty proud of myself and all I have accomplished. I never thought I would get this far in this. There were moments in which I wanted to give up but I did not. Thank God because who knows where I would have ended up if I did.

But I am here and I can honestly say that I am content with what I have done.

In my five years as an undergraduate student, there were many ups and downs. Starting when I accepted to attend a community college. It was tough because I was looked down upon for deciding to attend a community college is in the top 10 in my high school graduating class back in 2013.

Everyone thought I was overqualified and though I found it nice to be looked at in that manner, I had specific reasons as to why I did not choose a 4 year school right off the bat. No one wanted to listen to these reasons but I chose to go with my gut and follow where my heart was taking me.

Right away, upon entering my new school, I was hungry to get involved and know what the school had to offer. I originally came into college wanting to major in architecture. I loved the math involved and the structuring of designing buildings and all but it was not want I expected it to be. I also wanted to minor in accounting because I also love business, researching, and analyzing financial statements. Eventually, I decided to just go with accounting and moved on from there.

I got involved in a business based program called "Collegiate DECA" in which I was able to put to practice what I was learning in the classroom, into the real world.

I did competitive case studies in which I was able to travel to Orlando, DC, and NYC and even won second place in a marketing case alongside a partner against prestigious four-year business schools like Bryant University and UMASS Dartmouth. Not so bad for a Community College.

I knew right then and there want I wanted to do. Also within that time, I also knew one thing from the start. I always knew that I wanted to transfer eventually and so I got involved in the Joint Admissions Agreement were I could transfer to one of the 2 state colleges with a specific plan of transfer in which all my credits would be accepted and I would transfer as a junior.

I immediately took that chance and I graduated within three years and now I am almost done with my 2nd and last year at my four-year school where I will be getting my bachelor's debt-free because I chose not to ignore my heart.

I was unemployed, my parents were still struck by the aftermath of the recession, I am low-income, and I just couldn't bare giving my parents that financial burden just because I wanted to focus on a name and not the monetary aspect of an education. I never believed that a school made a student, I believe that students make a school.

And so I have left my legacy in my community college and I am on my way to creating a new chapter as future businesswoman/financial consultant.

I could not have done with without the genuine support of those who never thought to look down on me from day 1. I am a proud person for all the hard work I have done. And this story is just beginning. Go create your success story too. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something because if your heart wants it than it was destined for you. Follow your heart and live your dreams.