Exemplars

Even Though I have struggled with my own addiction, nothing is more addicting than earning a paycheck. I prioritized making money as opposed to achieving my academic goals. The beginning of my junior year, I worked as a lifeguard/swim instructor, allowing me a flexible schedule of 30 hours and good pay. In December of 2019, my hours were cut leaving me to find another job so I can pay for my personal expenses as well as paying off my mom's credit cards and rent. My routine for the following two months consisted of opening as a lifeguard, going to school, teaching swim lessons, and then closing at 9:30, open weekends at one job and close at the other. After begging for hours, I got them back and instead of quitting one of the jobs, I continued to work both so I could work 50 hours a week. I was finally financially stable and had the title of trainer mentor at both jobs, however while I was stabilizing myself, I was barely passing my classes, not doing homework, and skipping class. I definitely was disappointed in myself for the reason that as a first generation college bound student, we're lectured by education is the "way out." In other words a chance to make something out of yourself so you don't have to struggle. I became depressed and struggled to express what I was going through to those around me, so I turned to substances which guaranteed a moment of bliss. After my mother told me that if I stayed on the path I was on, I would not have a home to go back too as well as the loving family I have always known. Her threat and disappointment within her eyes hurt me so much that I quit one job, committed to the online classes and rehabilitation resources during the pandemic which allowed me to bring up my grades and rebuild the relationship with my family. I had redirected the work ethic that I had for my jobs towards school and validated that I am my own "way out."