JAYCE
WALLACE.

When I started my freshman year in high school, I barely had any friends. It was a new school for me, a new environment and I didn’t really know how to fit in. There were some things I wanted to change. First, I wanted to feel as if I belonged somewhere. Second, I found myself constantly comparing myself to others and wishing I had what they had. I wanted designer clothes, fame and attention but didn’t know how to access what others had. My obsession with material things and popularity consumed my attention even as a basketball player and Early College high school student. Gradually I went from daydreaming in class to a hunger to find a way to have everything I wanted. Now. Not later.

So, my friends and I started a party business, and I launched a designer shoe swap business. Both businesses started doing really well very quickly. In the span of two months I was getting everything I had wished for. I became well known by my peers, I started wearing designer clothes and shoes, and I was making more money than ever. However, while dealing with my businesses, I had issues with my schoolwork. I often struggled with my work because my mind was only focused on the business since it was doing very well. I didn’t take my assignments seriously and I did the bare minimum because I only cared about the attention and money I was getting from my businesses. Just when I thought everything was going well for me, I learned I was getting kicked out of the Early College program. Which meant that I could no longer attend dual credit classes and earn a free Associate Degree along with a high school diploma. It was tough to accept that I had just lost something that would benefit my future. However, at the same time, this was the most eye-opening experience of my life. This situation showed me that just having goals is not enough if one doesn’t put forth the effort to reach them. I realized that it was necessary to properly organize my time and find a good balance between schoolwork, work, business and personal life.

Beginning my senior year and reflecting on my earlier high school years, it taught me that success means much more than obtaining designer clothes, fame and money. It is also about taking responsibility for my actions and learning from mistakes. Creating my businesses revealed my interests in business but losing my Early College program enrollment taught me about the importance of discipline, responsibilities and priorities in life. Of course, there is a lot left for me to learn, but I am proud of myself anyway. The opportunity to go to college will allow me to improve my business skills and develop as a leader. I don't want my mistakes to define me in the future. I want to encourage others that making mistakes doesn’t have to define who you are. It can motivate you to become a better version of yourself. I have chosen to learn from my high school journey, the good and the bad, to help me reach my goal of graduating from college and having a successful career in business marketing and sales. I will use them as motivation to continue learning and growing. Wish me good luck!