“To be nobody but yourself-- in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else--means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight.”

Reading this passage by E.E. Cummings during my freshman year of college, I was astonished to realize how descriptive it was of my situation. I realized I had been fighting the same battle for years. I compromised myself in order to fulfill the dreams others had placed before me. Growing up in a family of lawyers, I had always been pressured to continue in the “family business.” I struggled to suppress my true passion for public service, while fighting for my family’s acceptance. It wasn’t until attending Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), that I became confident in accepting my calling of becoming a doctor.

CFCC has not only pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, but has taught me the attributes necessary to be a successful leader. Working fulltime as a Certified Nursing Assistant, functioning as president of my campus honors society, and serving as a student ambassador, all while maintaining an 18-hour course load, has been anything but easy. Yet, with the boundless faculty support and strong educational environment, I have been able to conquer these obstacles, and am more determined than ever to continue my path of success. Attending Cape Fear Community College was the best decision I’ve ever made. I am no longer striving to be someone else; I am the person I’ve always dreamt to be, and CFCC became my life-changing catalyst.