I have had my share of bad situations  in my life.  The worst being verbally and physically abused.  Somehow, those abuse left me with very low self-esteem.  I was a very lonely teenager,  I pretty much kept to myself, had very few friends.  During my freshman year in high school, out of the blue I decided that the only way I was going to get away from my unpleasant situation was to do well in school.  I figured this will help me get a scholarship to college.  That decision was the turning point of my life.  I never looked back.  I excelled in every class except for math.  I hated math.  I did manage to graduate with high GPA, and thus was giving a nice scholarship to go attend college away from my unpleasant home environment.

Now in college, I thought things were going to be just grand.  I was on top of the world.  Much to my dismay,  life decided to  hand me another curb ball.  This time this ball was thrown at me like  a speeding bullet.  I had no time to duck or escape.  No one , or nothing prepared me for the racial tensions I was subjected to.   Some of the students quit college all together  after being subjected to such racial discriminations.

I can be very stubborn, I  decided enough was enough and I was determined to leave with my college degree.  I prayed a lot and  was able to put up with some unpleasant rantings.   In the end I got my degree.  The most intruiging thing of all, was my junior and senior year.  God really blessed me with  the wonderful  Sister Marie- Helene.  She was a nun from France.  She loved me and took me under her wings.  With her herlp I was able to apply to the University of  Syrucuse's  study abroad program.  I ended up getting  a scholarship with them.  The rest is history.

I am here today, because I made a mental decision that no matter what  curve balls are thrown at me  I will find a way to make the best of every situation.  It is always too easy to concentrate on the negatives and let life beat you to a pulp.  As for me , myself and I  I will move forward always with a willing spirit to  find ways to come out a  VICTOR NOT A VICTIM!!!!!!

Many blessings to all.