I grew up in small towns for the majority of my life. The idea of fun out there can typically be seen as unconventional and unethical, as a nice way of putting it, especially when running around with the bad crowds. Not having anything else to do was the only gateway I needed to eventually enable myself to start associating with the more shady kids. This behavior resulted in more than just a few brushes with the law. Having freedoms taken away from me made me realize how much of my own time I took for granted. Additionally, it made me realize that I was taking education, family and friends for granted. I saw that I needed to take responsibility for my own actions, for the choices that I was making in my life, choices that not only impacted me and my future, but also impacted the lives of family and friends. As a final result of all of this, I found something that I really want to do with my life.
An interest in the computer sciences took over. Not only was I personally interested in it, this was a field that would provide opportunities for a career. However, I soon realized that I wouldn’t be able to land a spot in the Computer and Network Technician vocational school without the help of Mentors. The fact that Mentors helps those who others won’t was the type of support I needed. Through the much appreciated assistance of a friend and case manager from a sort of “last-chance” graduation school, I was granted the opportunity to apply for a scholarship with relative ease, which typically isn’t the case. For that, I am truly grateful. Consequently, I am now currently pursuing a career. I’ve waited a long time to move forward in my life, to establish a career where I can potentially help make breakthroughs in my field of study, as well as assist people in learning about today’s technology. I will make the most of these opportunities I’ve been given.