Biography
“What a shame. You really could have been something.”
These are the last words my principal spoke to me as I completed the process of transferring from a private, all boys’ military school in Savannah to a newly constructed public school close to home. This school was a landmark of tradition in Savannah, as generations of families sent their boys here to continue their family legacies. Although my parents weren’t from Savannah, they sent my older brother to school there, so it seemed inevitable that I would go there too. I had lots of friends, made good grades, and never got in trouble, but never truly felt at peace in that environment. On the last day of midterms before Christmas break, I finally confronted my hesitations, and after a long talk with my parents, decided I would transfer.
Hearing those words from my principal as I walked out of those halls for the final time felt like the ultimate betrayal. Not only had she discarded me simply because I wasn’t happy there, but she essentially insinuated I wouldn’t be successful anywhere I went. It infuriated me, and for a short time I had trouble forgetting about it. When I transferred, I initially felt that I had made the wrong decision. My grades weren’t great, and the culture shock of nonconformity was overwhelming. I quickly made friends with my academic advisor, a young woman whose sarcastic humor and unfiltered advice were compatible with myself on all formats. After my first couple of weeks there, she called me to her office and scolded me, telling me that she expected better. “Prove them wrong,” she said. These words ignited a passion within me that motivated me to pursue success.
I would remind myself of these words constantly, always pushing myself harder and harder in order to achieve the success I knew I was capable of, the success that others doubted wholeheartedly. My moment of truth came in November of my senior year when the University of Georgia released admission decisions. I had been accepted. Reading that acceptance letter was one of the most gratifying experiences of my high school tenure, as it was confirmation of my diligence to succeed.
To this day, I still reflect on the words my principal spoke as I left school that day. In my mind, her words embody that of the world we live in, full of detractors and nonbelievers. The world will always doubt you, yet the secret lies in never doubting yourself. My success in high school was aimed at those who doubted me, who told me I wouldn’t amount to anything. My success in college, however, is aimed at myself, a constant reminder to push the boundaries in order to pursue greatness.
