Perhaps my greatest achievement and accomplishment is that, despite overwhelmingly adverse conditions, I was able to complete my high school education and earn a high school degree. For most people, earning a high school degree is not a major accomplishment, but for me, this was accomplished in the face of stark poverty, childhood abuse, and severe risk and challenges.
Poor health and adverse living conditions have been part and parcel of my formative years, and I had managed to pass school when most people in my condition would have thrown in the towel. To me, there is no greater failure in not trying and no defeat more overpowering than our own lack of purpose or intent. A person’s station in life is earned through sheer hard work, commitment, and sincerity of purpose. It is whetted on the cornerstone of discipline, dedication, and devotion to one’s cause, however small and insignificant it may seem to be.