Overcome the Potholes on the Road to Success (PB)

“What is the pathway to success?” is a common question asked by individuals seeking their way to prosperity. Although these individuals may desire a straightforward answer that will directly guide their road to immediate achievements, not all paths to success are the same. However, for those still looking for an answer to their question that is not saturated in vagueness, I do have a solution. Success, although constructed and achieved in several diverse ways, is founded upon the common principles of hard work, dedication, and opportunities.

Now one may begin to ask, how could I, a sixteen year old girl, know the secret to success with my limited number of experiences and lack of first hand background of adult life. Although I admit those assumptions are true, my knowledge was not gained from personal experiences, but from that of my mother. Growing up and emigrating from Mexico, my mother escaped the depths of poverty through her build of dedication and hard work. Coupled with her school work, my mother, the oldest of six siblings, had the motherly role bestowed upon her at an early age, due to the burden of both parents working full time jobs. On top of that she was somehow able to juggle two jobs during high school and then attend Youngstown State University after receiving her high school diploma. The obstacles my mother was faced with and the way she overcame them to achieve personal success never ceases to amaze and inspire me daily.

Fortunately, I am not burdened by a life anywhere near as strenuous as my mother had growing up. Although in my life I am not able to experience the same situations she did, I have recognized the morals my mother grew up upon and applied them to my own life. Through her perseverance through difficult situations and the abundance of work she took upon herself, my mother displayed a great deal of dedication and hard work. In result, I strive to work hard and achieve under all circumstances in my life. In perspective, if my mother could work and accomplish all that she did during high school in the situation that she was in, why shouldn't I be able to accomplish just the same and then some with my idealistic lifestyle? My mother also was an advocate for opportunities. She decided for herself that she wanted to work two jobs in order to maintain adequate financial standings. She decided for herself that she wanted to attend college to obtain a degree, so that she may be able to work a well-paying job in the future. She paved her own road to success; no one forced her to apply herself and work for what she wanted to achieve. Therefore, I believe one of the most important aspects of success is to take every opportunity you are able to. Personally, I'm known as someone who often takes on multiple opportunities at once, often leading to chronic stress of being overwhelmed. However, I ask myself in the midst of my stress, why not? Why not take every opportunity I can to establish my personal path to success? If my mother can undergo her experiences and still become a successful individual, then what is there to stop me?

You must work for what you want. Throughout your life no one is going to stand by your side and hold your hand as you make decisions for yourself. If you want it go get it. Find a way. Take opportunities. Make the best out of the situations you're in. Yes, the pathway to success is difficult and it requires hard work and endurance, but the reward of personal success is achieved only by those who make the best of their opportunities.