Against the Odds-- My story from the bottom to the top

<p>As you all enter the last few months and pour over the decisions you will be getting in regards to your collegiate careers, I would like to give some inspiration to students here who are in adverse circumstances and not exactly excited with their future prospects.</p>

<p>Entering my senior year in HS, I was an underachiever of great proportions. My GPA was < 2.5, despite the fact my SAT scores were over 1300 in the Math and Verbal sections. Unable to afford the tuition costs of out-of-state schools and academically ineligible for admission to the more generous private schools, I began to believe I would fall into many of the stereotypes that are associated with my predicament.</p>

<p>My family was very poor, I was black, and in a rough community. I came to this website ready to whine about classism and racism. Much of it was shut down and needless to say I was given great assistance by members of the CC community. Much of it was very specific to my situation and in following it I was able to detail my transfer intentions with great confidence. Instead of attending a local Community College and not having a plan for the future, I bucked up and after working my ass of my senior year I was able to earn a tuition scholarship to Howard University. I used my time here to hone my skills as a student in all aspects and transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill. I am on my way to attending a top law school in the future and I honestly believe the time period around when I posted my first thread, "It's just not fair or right!" was a defining era of my life. And it was during this saga CC helped me jump-start my future and the manifestation of my potential.</p>

<p>I'm not trying to be melodramatic, but it's true. My point is if you have a story, post it. The people here are ridiculously helpful and with said help you can achieve your dreams, just as I am on my way to doing.</p>

<p>Wow, I can't believe CC could have such an impact on an individual. The Parent's forum is always amazing along with the advice found in other places. Often reading others' stories gives me ideas and suggestions that I can apply. I always love reading the responses to profound topics. Congrats on the law school, but go Duke Blue Devils :-P!</p>

<p>Hope you do well in law school. The best to ya! I always love stories where the underdog overcomes near impossible obstacles.</p>

<p>I'm glad good things happened to you, good luck, too!</p>

<p>Wow! Your kind of tenacity will take you all the way! Continued good fortune!!</p>

<p>This shows what you can do when you put your mind to it. Best of luck to you!</p>

<p>Joe,
Congratulations on your success. Deep appreciation for your providing us with an update. I am among the people who responded to your posts a couple of years ago. It delights me to hear how you utilized the advice here. Your post was a gift to me and to everyone who reached out to you.</p>

<p>Please continue to drop in on CC, and do offer your perspective particularly to students who are feeling disheartened, and could be inspired by hearing your story.</p>

<p>Warmest holiday wishes to you and your family and friends.</p>

<p>Good story! Hope it turns out as well for my son. One question; Why the transfer from Howard ( go Bisons !)?</p>