I don’t have a sob story

I have a success story.

I just need help writing it.

Growing up, staring at the stars and wondering what is up there.

looking at cars

and wondering how they work

making lego buildings taller than myself,

always using my ingenuity and focus.

watching big name winners on tv and wondering how it must feel

to be them.

Dreaming big!

Only one problem

In the game of life I started at a disadvantage.

First generation immigrants.

English was my second language

Growing up around Latino culture

dispite all that,

Never embarrassed of where you’re from

But proud of who and what it's made you.    

when I fail, I feel the urge to get  back up and fight for what is mine

its like a fire burning inside of me,

fueled by determination,

thoughts of who I am now and who I want to be!

fueled by thoughts of loved ones

and those who I don't want to disappoint.

like childhood heros overcoming obstacle.  

except that these problems are real,

and cuts and the bruises are also real

as real as the pain I feel on those tough days

when i feel like my hard work isn't taking me anywhere.

why are you crying?

why are you down?

get up you're embarrassing yourself!!

typical voices firing through my head once things go wrong.  

In my head,and only in my head

You get used to self motivation because no one will give you a atta’boy

or even a Pad on the back.  

where i come from you have two options

,it's do!

or sleep and let an opportunity pass you by.

where i come from you're raised by tough experiences,

we don’t have time for soft emotional moments.  

you go to sleep beat

and you wake up a better man.

where I come from love from your parents exist,

but they work.

The hard part is.

they will continue to work until they die.

That is my reality, this was my future.

but there is a better way.  

growing up I have seen the calluses on my father's hands

and i have seen tiredness in my mother's eyes.

i've experienced tough work.

and never said a word.

My education is my road to a better life.

ensuring that one day my mother lives worry free.

ensuring that my father has a home he can call his own.

When you start your journey with nothing

Never forget why we work so hard.

Never forget where you're from

But most importantly

Never Forget where you’re going.