I am a Walking Debunker of Statistics

I know this may sound a little cliche, but honest to God, I am what inspires me.

I am an African American, teenage girl who lives in one of the most impoverished towns in my county. 

Therefore, of course, I am expected to be another statistic, and they doubt me. 

I am not expected to go to college because no one else in my family has, and if they did, they had never walked the grass.

I am not expected to dream big because I am from the small city of Bridgeton, where no one ever stays gone for long.

I am not expected to make it because, like most around me I know, I didn’t come from a two-parent household.

I am not expected to make it because I am a woman and my efforts are deemed insufficient in comparison to a man’s; I would earn only half of every dollar that’s in his hand. 

I am not expected to make it because my melanin is way too potent, and that’s so threatening, it’s not in high demand. 

So, you ask, why do you remain optimistic knowing your chances at success are slim to none? 

My answer to you is that I will not allow myself to be restricted by the expectations of everyone.

I have exceeded those expectations, and my beliefs will be the reason I have won. 

I am a strong believer in breaking the cycle; that’s why you’re encouraged not to do what the next person has done. 

I am willing to embark on the roads not taken without the fear of regretting that I would be mistaken. 

I always look up to the heavens when I am going through hell, and as I do that, I found that I have not yet failed. 

I guess this mentality of mine must really be working, I say this as humbly as possible, my achievements thus far have heads jerking. 

See, according to most, I was never supposed to make it to this point, and if I had listened, I wouldn’t have disappointed them.

I have been enrolled in college since I was a freshman in high school. 

I am an aspiring doctor who will have my own private practice soon. 

Yes, I was raised by a single mother, yet, I have not wanted for anything, and despite what most believe, that counts for something. 

I will never use my “setbacks” in life as an excuse as to why I wouldn’t dare to maximize my quality of living. 

For me, these “setbacks” are the reasons I try even harder and remain driven.

I know what others expect of me, and I want to prove them wrong. 

I want to be a living example of debunked statistics, putting an end to illusions that have existed for too long. 

I want to be the reason why those who believed they never had a chance can finally believe they do. 

I believe that by this poem, others will see that too. 

Finally, the masses will realize that in order to expand your horizons, it’s ultimately up to you. 

So just open your eyes, come on, can’t you see that view?

There are numerous opportunities that you will lose if you don’t wake up and realize the ball has always been in your court, just waiting to be used.

Now that you know my story, what will you choose?