<p>Less than two years ago I was a big time loser. I was a heavy online gaming addict to a game similar to World of Warcraft. Every waking moment was dedicated to advancing my "virtual" character. Being so immersed in video games led me to neglect my friends, family, and school. I loathed education it seemed the most pointless thing in the world. It was merely another time waster blocking me from spending all day on the computer.</p>
<p>I finally reached the tipping point one day during a math class. I received my test scores for my Calculus AB test and I did pretty terrible. A 23/75 would seem terrible to most students, but at the time I couldn't care less. Unfortunately it didn't take long for people to establish that I was the class dumb***. Shortly after that day we had a team test. Unsurprisingly our group did terrible. My group-members protested to the teacher and tried to convince him that they source of their failure was me. I clearly remember them yelling at me "you're an idiot" and "you're a failure and always be". They even went as changing my grades to all A's and framing me for hacking into the computer system. Their claim: there was no way I could ever achieve straight A's. </p>
<p>It took a few days for reality to sink in and the depression to fade away. Something about being called a failure for life irked me. In those few days of utter pain and sorrow I set myself a goal to prove my worth to them. Gone would be the days of being the lowest of the lowest. </p>
<p>I knew I would need something to kindle my self-motivation. I started researching ways to get my life "back up to speed". I happened to stumble across College Confidential where I quickly realized this was where the amazing students came together to converse! What better place to look for inspiration? I began posting on CC around a year ago (on an anonymous account) and to my surprise people were very supportive and helpful.</p>
<p>This was just what I needed to power full steam ahead. I began to slowly wean myself off of gaming over the course of two months. Instead of long lonesome nights I learned to enjoy them. I found some relaxing music and clear place to study. This gave me ample time to focus on my work and only my work. It was amazing the amount of knowledge I was able to absorb just by isolating myself from external distractions. </p>
<p>Soon I was a knowledge freak! I'm not entirely sure if I my motivation was powered by my anger towards my classmates, or the realization that I'd been missing out on so many interesting things. One thing was certain though, I aimed to be like the people on CC and they gave me encouragement to reach there.</p>
<p>As a result of my new found success my entire mindset was inverted. School was no longer a waste of time and I actually enjoyed it. That alone wasn't enough to feed my insatiable desire for knowledge. My parents actually looked at me strangely when I told them I was joining clubs and science bowl.</p>
<p>All these events have helped sculpt me into the excellent student that I am now. For once in my life I understood what was going on in class and scored the 2nd highest score on the final. I outscored all my peers who mocked me into misery and once told me I could never get an A. </p>
<p>The result of months of hard work, last fall I was proud to say I scored a well above average SAT score (2330). Perhaps the best feeling in my life. I also looked senioritis straight in the eyes and said "**** you!" and I finished my last senior year with a 4.0uw/4.5w :-)</p>
<p>As of right now I have accepted an offer of admission at a very prestigious university (<19% acceptance). Despite my rough past and low scores I made it through these hard times. Anybody who is currently facing a suppressive situation do yourself a favor and hold your chin up. </p>
<p>So those of you that are going through tough times in your life whether it be academic or domestic hang in there. Life can get better, focus on your goals and don't give up! If you need help consult trustworthy peers, they are an invaluable resource.</p>
<p>Don't let someone tell you that you are unworthy or can't achieve something.
The best tip I can give you is to turn your weaknesses into your strengths. Take it as an opportunity to prove them wrong. People tend to love what they excel at and dislike what they don't do well at. If you focus and work hard at your weaknesses soon they won't be so bad. Perhaps they will become your strengths! Good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your motivation and willingness to lend a hand out to a stranger. I couldn't have done it without you. </p>
<p>Love you all, </p>
<p>Victor.</p>