"Zero to zero."  This idea is the mantra of my life. It started when I was a senior in high school.  I was a good enough student, but I lacked direction.  I feared the unknown of my impending college years.  One day, I was talking to my dad in his office, and he offered me some advice that changed my outlook. It didn't matter if I was the valedictorian or the worst student in high school, he said, adding that when I walk through the doors of Penn State, all freshman were equal. "Zero to zero."

I have since taken that encouragement and used it to motivate myself with everything I attempt.  It's the same inspiration I will use it when I enter law school and then when I enter the law field.   I will treat all obstacles as I do now.  Nothing will be beyond my capabilities, and no one person or circumstance will hold me back from my goals.  It starts "Zero to Zero."

 

   The inspiration my father gave me that morning before my first day of college stays with me at all times. I will never forget his words.  They have pushed me to dedicate myself to all my undertakings. In doing so, I am the first member of my family to attend college and partake in the experiences and traditions instilled by Penn State.  What my father said to me that day continues to change my attitude and outlook on life.  Attitude is everything.  One needs to be positive and dedicated, and in return, positive outcomes will result.  Thinking positive and being driven has proven to be true in my life.   I realized that day, that if I wanted to succeed, it was up to me and only me to define my destiny.  In many ways, my father’s words saved me from myself, leading me to conclude that my future was not predefined by where I came from or my social standing. 

 

   There are times when it is hard to drown out the negativity, but I stay the course.  I discovered when I first started attending Penn State that you get what you put into your college experience.  Because of my dad's words after high school, I started to believe in myself, so I began two small businesses in my hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania.  I went on to create two organizations upon transferring my junior year to University Park from a branch campus.  What I discovered about myself was that it wasn't the people around me propping me up and keeping me on track towards my goals.  I learned that I was self-motivated and driven towards proving wrong the myth of impossibility.  I could be motivated and successful under any circumstances or environment.  Success is not where you come from, but where you are going and the attitude in which you approach it.  We as people must make our own choices and happiness, while traveling our own path.

 

   I know that when I walk into the doors of law school the score will be "zero to zero" once again.  On the first day of law school, class standing and rank does not exist.  I will take on the obstacle that is law school, as I approach all things in my life now.  I will be positive and dedicated, and in return, positive outcomes will result.  I have worked hard to get where I am today, and I will work even harder to get where I am going tomorrow.

Thank you for this educational opportunity.