Live Free Project

I am the product of divorced parents, who struggled with substance abuse, but that does not define me. My childhood consisted of poverty-stricken environments; however, I refused to let that dictate the outcome of my life. At the age of ten, I had to assume the role of a fatherly figure to my three siblings, so I missed out on the conventional childhood most would have had. I grew up in east Bakersfield where substance abuse, gangs and criminal acts of violence were a pervasive occurrence, and I resiliently avoided the peer pressures to conform to their way of life. From the ages of 11 to 15, I would work for my grandfather at the local swap meet on the weekends so that I could help my mother make ends meet. I received my worker 's permit at the age of 15, which elevated my ability to help my mother financially as now I earned a set wage. I worked the maximum hours allowed as a minor while balancing my academics and extracurricular school activities at school. Although faced with much adversity early on in life, I managed to be a scholar triathlete in high school and was accepted to California State University, Bakersfield after graduating from Foothill High. I was determined and excited to be the first college graduate in my family, as I understood the economic importance of this achievement. Sadly, after my freshman year of attending the university, I had to put my educational endeavors on hold to assist my mother and siblings further financially.

Select an inspirational quote that you would put on the wall of your room as you begin your freshman year at the University of Arizona Honors College. Why did you pick this quote? Explain why you see its message as enduring rather than situational. Please limit your response to a total of 500 words.

As a traditional undergraduate student, I worked very hard to graduate in 3 years while joining Alpha Phi Women's fraternity, leading as a resident assistant and course assistant as well as being a member of two student association clubs. I'd successfully completed an internship with MTV News & Docs after graduation and worked as a production assistant where I was almost promoted to art director and director's assistant for a pilot called Monsters. I made great connections and earned more jobs and opportunities. One of the biggest opportunities even lead me to choreographing extras in a Beyoncé music video. There are very few people who can say they've had similar opportunities. That being said, I was learning that my field was not all it was cracked up to. While I had a chance to do great things and meet many interesting and talented individuals, I also had a chance to realize what it was like to do it all while earning less than a living wage. Working the hardest I've ever worked and still not be able to pay all my bills including my student loans started to wear on me emotionally. I had to ask myself, do you love what you do? Would you continue this work if there was no money at all!? Are you willing to become destitute for these pursuits? My answer to every question was an overwhelming no. While I had fun, I realized that I required more than just fun and excitement. I

My parent’s both have very hard working jobs which have inspired me to work not just hard but to my fullest extent. Money is not the only benefit, but accomplishing my goals and desires are. My mother gets what she can every week cleaning houses in the Redlands, and my father takes two buses, and one train until reaching North Miami six days a workweek. All their sacrifice is for me to have a roof and food at home, this way we can afford our duplex in Homestead. We are a low-income family in Florida who have no other family members but ourselves. Having to adjust to a new community, learning a new culture based on other traditions and an altogether new terminology has been difficult, but overcoming many of these struggles have taught me that one day I will be capable to achieve my ends. I will be helping the community that one day welcomed me, as one of their

Throughout my life, I have never been satisfied. I am always striving for more. I want to make an impact with this life I have, and not waste any second of it. I feel as though it is my obligation to not only be inspired, but be the inspired. It’s

This quote has been in inspiration in my life since the beginning of this year. The quote is anonymous but still has a story, a story with my life.

Five years ago I had to flee Syria to save my life, I had to leave my university as well. As a new immigrant, few things can be challenging. However, soon I was able to go back to school. I was advised to take some classes at a community college to get a good start toward my bachelor’s degree. Yet, the financial side came in the way. “Give up” is a word that doesn’t exist in my dictionary, so I went ahead and worked hard to establish myself financially. I stopped school for a little bit and was able to prove my success in the business world. Today, I stand tall and ready to go back to school and obtain my four-year degree. More ready than ever for a shiny future.

“You must give everything to make your life as beautiful as the dreams that dance in your imagination.” ― Roman Payne

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” (Maya Angelou)

Last year sometime in November I got in contact with a friend of my moms and asked for a job working on the fishing boat he owned in Hawaii. He said yes and told me to come soon after Christmas, so on December 27th I got on a plane to Hawaii. Going into this new experience I was in the Honeymoon stage. I had never been to Hawaii nor had I ever worked on a fishing boat, but both of these brought me

“Your dreams, what you hope for and all that, it’s not separate from your life. It grows right up out of it.” --Loyd Peregrina

In the 19th century someone quoted that, “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” Whoever this person was; He or she was very wise. In 2013, I was going to college for culinary, but decided that it was not for me. Finishing my second quarter, my dad asks me if I wanted to go work with him in North Dakota. Without second guessing it, I told him “Yes.” I had not lived with my dad in six years. Do not get me wrong, he came around once in a while whenever he could, but I didn’t know my dad very well. Moving to North Dakota changed the way I looked at life and has helped guide me to learn my true worth.

Digging deep in my soul and knowing to never compare my glutes to the newest Instagram celebrity or compare my decorating with my Pinterest board is the current motto of my life road map....and so far it is bringing me a sense of peace (when I remember to follow

Went on press with Janet for the university magazine. Ran into a problem with the paper selection the agency chose for the cover. Quickly had to make a decision together on how to resolve the immediate issue. Worked on paper and varnish

I’ve known people who got a big hit, or are really well known they became really rude and obnoxious, so when they let it get to there head everyone left. That’s why when I have my big success moment I will be grateful for anything that got me there. Knowing that I earned where I am to that day. Knowing I gave it my all, I tried my hardest to succeed. When I hit that success moment I still need to prioritize. Once I finish college I need to look for jobs within what I studied. I need to plan what i’m going to do with myself because one can only think too far. So while in college I plan to pick out what i’m going to do next. I know I would like to move to California for more career