As I prepare to embark on a new journey in college I reflect on my experiences and my life up to this point. Ever since I was a child my family instilled in me the importance of religion and a good education. Although my parents were not particularly wealthy they sacrificed themselves financially to place me in a parochial elementary school. During the ten years I attended the parochial school I was instilled with many values such as faith, discipline, and a solid work ethic. Elementary school had done a great job in preparing me for the academic challenges that I would face in high school, but its personable atmosphere was drastically different from the social environment that I would encounter in high school.
             The adjustment into high school was difficult for me at first because I had never before attended a public school and therefore I felt uncomfortable in such a large school. Additionally, I had a tendency to be quiet and shy, which enhanced the difficulty level of adjusting into high school. As I began to make friends by participating in athletics the adjustment became easier as it allowed me to become more sociable. The academic aspect of high school did not surprise me as I was already used to a heavy work load and challenging courses. Throughout high school I have challenged myself academically each year as I have chosen to take rigorous courses each year. My dedication to academics and community service was acknowledged by my high school as I was inducted into the National Honors Society in my junior year. High school played an intricate role in developing my character as it helped me improve my leadership communication skills through sports and extracurricular activities. My leadership was exemplified in my senior year of high school as I had the privilege of being the captain of the varsity football team. My decision to attend a public high school was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has expo...