I got accepted to every school I applied to.

[Raskovnik]

I'm a very private person, so I'm not usually one to share stuff about my personal life on here, but recently I received some good news and I've kind of been wanting to share it with people, though I don't have many people to share it with. Last November I applied to a few state schools and universities as it's about time for me to transfer out of community college. This past Friday I found out I've been accepted to UC Berkeley, which was the last school I was waiting on. I had already been accepted to all of the others. Initially I wasn't even going to apply to Berkeley as the acceptance rate is so low and I've always heard that it's awfully competitive, but one of my professors told me I should do it as she was absolutely certain that I would get in. Fortunately, she was right. I'm really glad she believed in me enough to encourage me to do it because now it's looking like I'll probably head there. Of course, right after calling my dad, she was the next person I told. She was really happy to hear it, and I'll be honest, doing right by her and making her proud made me feel better than finding out that I got in.


I just feel good right now. I'm not an ego-driven person whatsoever, but I've always had a bit of a chip on my shoulder about this stuff. I'm from the ghetto. Growing up I often heard that I wasn't going to make it, that I'd go to jail like my brothers and cousins, shit like that. I mean, I graduated from a continuation school that I was sent to after the school faculty decided I was stupid based solely on where I'm from and how I look without taking the time to talk to me or hear my story. The school didn't even really bother teaching us how college worked other than a cursory mention of it being an option without explaining financial aid, community colleges, the types of degrees, etc. Then they gave us pamphlets on who to call about becoming a plumber. Much love to plumbers, but it bothered me since I felt like I wasn't even being allowed to dream. It's not like I was singled out in particular in all of this, either. That's how it goes for a lot of people, I think. Thankfully, I did have a few teachers who actually took the time to listen to me, to truly get to know me, and offered me their much-needed support because when you're surrounded by all that negativity and bullshit you start to internalize it and doubt yourself. The older I get the more I realize just how crucial that has been for me, and it's made me want to try and help as many other people as I can in turn.

Anyways, I think I've written way too much. That's enough out of me. I just wanted to share some of the recent success I've had, and I really hope it doesn't come across as bragging. The thing that excites me the most is that as tough as it was to get here, it's only the beginning. I know what I want to do, where I want to go, and who I want to be, and I'm stoked to keep working at it.

[Magic knows Black Lives Matter]

That's awesome to hear! Keep destroying people's expectations of you. It sounds like big things are in the future for you.

[SsnakeBite, the No1 Frenchman]

Awesome, dude! Gotta be a huge ego boost and I hope things continue down that road for you. And your story is both inspiring... and kinda horrifying. How do they expect things to change if they break kids' will before they even try to succeed?

But hey, at least your experience goes to show that it's possible (and that students really need strong support from their teachers).

[Perd]

I'm not surprised. I've said before, in the positive threads, that you're on of the smartest people here. Congrats and best of luck at UC-Berkeley or wherever you decide to go.

[Lupin the Third]

Wait wait wait. You got accepted to EVERY school you applied for?

Man, you're gonna be busy, what with running from campus to campus for each class.

[Milkman Norm]

Dude Awesome! UC-Berkeley is not an easy school to get accepted to. Mega props.

[Captain Stud Muffin (BLM)]

Keep up the great work. School is no f***ing joke and it takes dedication to succeed. 

[Evil Homer]

Thats awesome . Make of the most of wherever you go , and whatever your major is . In this day and age it is getting very hard to find a decent job/career without a degree .

[SmashTV]

Good for you, my friend; I'm a great believer in education, and it sounds like you've more than earned your chance at this. The very best of luck to you, and make sure you show the doubters what you're capable of.